Liverpool drew 2-2 with Newcastle on Sunday, exposing a midfield imbalance that manager Andoni Iraola says will not be solved by signing a new winger. The match highlighted Ryan Gravenberch’s uncertain role as the team's No.6, with his advanced positioning leading to defensive lapses.
Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Newcastle
The Reds opened their season at St James’ Park, paying tribute to Kevin Keegan, who had scored hat-tricks for both clubs. Ryan Gravenberch’s first game for Liverpool saw him deliver passes that led to three goals, two of which were Newcastle’s. In the Dutchman’s defence, two misplaced balls - one even a back-heel - could have been forgotten, but Newcastle’s lightning counter-attacks turned them into goals. Gravenberch lost the ball around 80 yards from his own goal, a mistake that was magnified by the clinical nature of the opposition’s counter-attacks.
Gravenberch’s role questioned
Iraola said he understands that Gravenberch is “basically the No.6 and is on the edge of the box” and that if he shoots and scores it would be a highlight. He added that the team must adapt to situations where the defensive midfielder is advanced and that the second goal saw Liverpool better in numbers but still failed to win the first challenge. Gravenberch’s responsibilities have grown with the introduction of Florian Wirtz, whom Iraola plans to use as a No.10, and the potential for a duo with Dominik Szoboszlai. The new coach also wants front-foot football, even if it means the side may not press with the intensity he desires.
Tactical balance and future plans
Liverpool’s previous balance under Arne Slot relied on a trio of central midfielders - Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones - or occasionally all four. That balance was disturbed when Wirtz was introduced and Iraola signalled his intention to play the German as a No.10. With two attack-minded full-backs encouraged to go forward, defensive vulnerabilities have increased and Gravenberch’s role has become more demanding. Gravenberch had 20 shots in the 2024-25 Premier League, compared with 38 last season, and Liverpool may need him to contribute more from goal.
The last player Liverpool bought as a defensive midfielder was Wataru Endo in 2023, and the club’s money is being saved for the ongoing search for a successor to Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Assuming one is signed, it will take Liverpool’s spending in little over a year to more than £600m, and perhaps £650m, without any of it going on a central midfielder.
Liverpool's money is being saved for the ongoing search for a successor to Mohamed Salah on the right flank.
