Liverpool midfield exposed as Gravenberch errors lead to two goals at St James’ Park

Ryan Gravenberch lost possession for both goals Liverpool conceded in Sunday’s match at St James’ Park, leaving head coach Andoni Iraola to question his side’s structure out of possession. The early errors cost Liverpool and prompted changes from Iraola during the game.

A little over four minutes had passed when Gravenberch created space with a touch to get past Lewis Miley but then lost the ball; 11 seconds later Anthony Elanga was on the scoresheet following a counter that needed one pass after Amar Dedic's initial clearance. Liverpool offered encouragement in possession before that sequence but “simply had no structure when out of possession,” the report said, a start described as “schoolboy stuff” and a “nightmare start for Andoni Iraola.”

Gravenberch was also dispossessed in the second half after attempting a back heel on the edge of Newcastle’s box, allowing Yoane Wissa to drive through the centre and set up Joe Willock for the finish. As Iraola alluded to after the match, perhaps one of his players should have committed a foul in that situation but Liverpool were punished again.

Liverpool have not had an out-and-out number six since Fabinho left in 2023, and Iraola’s current preference is a two-man pivot with Florian Wirtz operating as a number 10; both Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were inside the Newcastle box when Liverpool lost possession prior to Elanga’s opener. The article added: "If Liverpool are to be taken seriously, they simply cannot concede goals like that regularly."

Iraola suggested the issues were not solely personnel, saying: "I think it's just not personnel." He later added: "We have to adapt as a team to these situations and we have to know that these situations can happen," and: "I think the second goal, we probably did better in terms of having the numbers to defend - we don't make the foul, or go to the first challenge or probably reduce the distance with the ball carrier, so it's an incredible goal. "Situations [are] just not because one person is playing there, [it] is something that we have to correct between a lot of players."

Individual numbers underlined the midfield struggle: Szoboszlai made zero tackles and won three of his 10 duels (30%), while Gravenberch also failed to make a tackle and won four of his 10 duels (40%). After Iraola substituted Alexis Mac Allister for Wirtz, Mac Allister made two tackles and won four of his five duels (80%), and Liverpool appeared more stable defensively following the change.

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, on Sky Sports, said: "Liverpool do not have that profile of player right now." He added: "The team has needed a defensive midfielder for three years. If you analyse the midfield, they are all naturally attacking players." The club’s stated priority in the remaining days of the transfer window remains wide attacking players rather than midfield reinforcements, the article reported, although Liverpool will consider opportunities if they arise; Iraola is understood to be satisfied with his midfield depth of Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni and James McConnell.

Liverpool have previously enquired about Adam Wharton — "Adam Wharton has made 71 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace" — but Crystal Palace’s stance is that the 22-year-old is not for sale. Under Jurgen Klopp Liverpool attempted to sign Moises Caicedo in 2023, and after Arne Slot’s arrival in 2024 the club were keen on Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad; that move fell through when "the now-Arsenal midfielder turned the move down." Gravenberch had a strong season under Slot as Liverpool "cruised their way to the Premier League title," and last summer’s window prioritised attacking additions Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike rather than midfield reinforcement.

The club’s transfer stance is expected to guide activity in the remaining days of the window, with Liverpool prioritising wide attacking recruits while maintaining Iraola’s view that the current midfield options provide sufficient cover.