Liverpool F.C.'s midfield fragility was laid bare in a 2-2 Premier League draw at Newcastle United on Sunday, casting doubt on their squad depth ahead of the transfer deadline. The Reds, currently 10th in the table with one point from their opening game, conceded twice from counter-attacks after losing possession in midfield.
Andoni Iraola's side fell behind after just four minutes and 11 seconds when Anthony Elanga finished a swift break, a move initiated after Ryan Gravenberch lost the ball. Joe Willock doubled Newcastle's lead, again following a Gravenberch dispossession, with Yoane Wissa providing the assist after a driving run. Liverpool's expected goals (xG) of 2.73 ultimately told a different story, and Cody Gakpo's equalizer, assisted by Gravenberch, secured a point. The result leaves Liverpool two points behind early leaders Brighton.
The pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, deployed in Andoni Iraola's preferred two-man system with Florian Wirtz ahead of them, was defensively porous. Data from the match shows Gravenberch made zero tackles and won just 4 of his 10 duels. Szoboszlai also failed to make a tackle, winning only 3 of 10 duels. Their combined lack of defensive impact was stark.
Substitute Alexis Mac Allister, who prefers to play as an eight, offered a contrast. He made two tackles and won 4 of his 5 duels, an 80% success rate. His introduction for Wirtz changed the dynamic but highlighted a persistent issue. Former striker Daniel Sturridge, analyzing on Sky Sports, was blunt. "Liverpool do not have that profile of player right now," he said. "The team has needed a defensive midfielder for three years."
Liverpool have not replaced Fabinho since his 2023 departure. The search for a specialist number six has seen several high-profile misses. Under Jurgen Klopp, the club tried to sign Moises Caicedo. Last year, under Arne Slot, primary target Martin Zubimendi turned down a move and later joined Arsenal.
Recent enquiries have focused on Crystal Palace's 22-year-old Adam Wharton, but Palace's stance is that he is not for sale. The club's summer business 12 months ago prioritized attacking signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, not midfield anchors. Manager Andoni Iraola defended his personnel after the Newcastle game. "I think it's just not personnel," Iraola said. "I understand you are telling me basically that Ryan Gravenberch is the six and he is on the edge of the box - but if he shoots and he scores we are saying what a play from Ryan Gravenberch."
Beyond the starters, backup choices include the experienced Wataru Endo and younger players like Trey Nyoni and James McConnell. The exit of Curtis Jones has further thinned the ranks. Despite Gravenberch's brilliant title-winning season under Slot last year, the current setup appears unbalanced for the demands of a Premier League campaign where every point is vital.
The club's stated priority in this window remains wide attackers, not midfield reinforcements. This strategy is now under intense scrutiny. With two goals scored and two conceded so far this season, defensive solidity is an immediate concern.
Attention turns quickly to the next fixture, a home game against Nottingham Forest on 29 August. Forest sit 15th, making it a key opportunity for Liverpool to build momentum.
The draw at St James' Park has amplified a debate that has simmered for three seasons. With the transfer window open, the pressure is on the recruitment team to address a glaring need or back Iraola's current squad to find solutions internally. The full squad details are available on our squad page, while the early standings show how tight the league is already.
