Liverpool's midfield struggles, a persistent issue that plagued the previous season, remain a central concern for new manager Andoni Iraola. The team's openness in the center of the park was evident in a recent match at Newcastle, where defensive lapses and turnovers led to scoring opportunities for the opposition. These issues mirror the problems that contributed to the departure of former manager Arne Slot.
During the game at Newcastle, Ryan Gravenberch lost possession twice in dangerous areas, leading to quick counter-attacks that exposed Liverpool's defense. In both instances, Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz were noted to be slow in their defensive recovery.
The demand for a new defensive midfielder, a specialist No. 6, has been a prominent call from fans and pundits. Liverpool's search for such a player has been ongoing since the departure of Fabinho in 2023. Previous attempts to sign Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo were unsuccessful, and Wataru Endo, the only specialist No. 6 on the roster, is 33 and often utilized as a defensive backup.
Jurgen Klopp experimented with various midfield combinations last season, including Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in holding roles, achieving some success before form dipped in March. A potential deal for Martin Zubimendi also fell through.
Despite the clear need, the club's stated priority for the transfer window has been reinforcing the wide attacking positions, not acquiring a new No. 6. While names like Lamine Camara have been linked, internal sources suggest no midfield signing is planned unless another midfielder departs.
Alternative strategies are being considered to address the midfield issues. One unpalatable option, given the significant transfer fee involved, is to adjust the roles of players like Florian Wirtz. Pushing Szoboszlai higher up the pitch and establishing a more solid defensive base could offer more attacking input and better shield the defense. Iraola's system aims to be front-footed, with the belief that the positives will outweigh the negatives over a full season.
Another approach involves a complete formation change. Converting full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong into wing-backs could reduce their defensive responsibilities, potentially accommodating a 3-4-2-1 formation similar to one Wirtz excelled in at Bayer Leverkusen. However, this deviates from the club's identified strategy of recruiting a manager known for a system compatible with the existing squad.
Trusting youth development is also a key tenet for Iraola, drawing parallels to his work at Athletic Club where academy talent is prioritized. The 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni, who impressed during pre-season, is expected to receive opportunities. Known for his maturity and ability to dictate play from deep, Nyoni could push for minutes this term. Academy graduate James McConnell is also fit and being kept around, with a potential loan move to Preston North End currently on hold.
Iraola's track record suggests an ability to develop players, a factor that likely influenced his appointment. The manager insists the midfield issues are not solely a personnel problem, and he aims to solidify the area over time through his coaching methods.