Liverpool's midfield is fragile - will they act in the window?
August 26, 2026 08:04
Liverpool began brightly at St James’ Park but conceded early after Ryan Gravenberch lost possession following a promising attacking move; just 11 seconds later Anthony Elanga scored for Newcastle from a rapid counter. In the second half Gravenberch again lost the ball — this time following a back-heel — which led to Yoane Wissa’s run and Joe Willock’s finish.
Head coach Andoni Iraola made a halftime/second-half change, bringing on Alexis Mac Allister for Florian Wirtz; Liverpool appeared more defensively solid after that substitution. At full-time the underlying numbers showed Liverpool registered a higher xG (2.73) than Newcastle (1.43).
KEY CONTEXT
- Liverpool have not used a traditional holding midfielder since Fabinho’s departure in 2023; Iraola’s current midfield setup favors a two-man pivot with Wirtz operating as a number 10 behind the front line.
- Both Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were positioned in the Newcastle box when Liverpool lost possession leading to Elanga’s opener.
- Defensive accountability was questioned in-public: the article notes that centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet might have engaged earlier on the counters, and that having a dedicated defensive midfielder would likely have reduced the threat.
WHY IT MATTERS
Liverpool’s inability to prevent swift counters exposed a recurring structural vulnerability in transition play. The game highlighted how decision-making on the ball (notably by Gravenberch on two key moments) and midfield positioning can leave the defence exposed. Statistical details from the match back up the observation: Szoboszlai made no tackles and won 3/10 duels (30%); Gravenberch made no tackles and won 4/10 duels (40%); after Mac Allister’s introduction he made two tackles and won 4/5 duels (80%), a performance that coincided with more defensive stability.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Liverpool alter their midfield structure or personnel selection to reduce vulnerability in transition, given Iraola’s stated preference for the current two-man pivot.
- If the team will look to improve collective defensive reactions on counters (Iraola noted the need for the team to correct these situations jointly and argued it was not solely a personnel issue).
- How Gravenberch and Szoboszlai respond in upcoming matches after their low tackling and duel-success figures in this game.
KEY FACTS
- Early turnover by Ryan Gravenberch led to Anthony Elanga’s opener within 11 seconds.
- Second-half turnover by Gravenberch preceded Yoane Wissa’s involvement and Joe Willock’s goal.
- Szoboszlai: 0 tackles, won 3/10 duels (30%); Gravenberch: 0 tackles, won 4/10 duels (40%).
- Alexis Mac Allister (substitute): 2 tackles, won 4/5 duels (80%).
- Full-time xG: Liverpool 2.73, Newcastle 1.43.
- Liverpool have not fielded a recognised number six since Fabinho left in 2023.