Liverpool's 14 Consecutive Matches Without a Clean Sheet Against Top-Six Teams Exposed
Liverpool's season has started with a draw at Newcastle, but their struggles in midfield have been laid bare, with Ryan Gravenberch at the heart of several issues.
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola highlighted the potential reward in taking risks, but also acknowledged that his team's defensive vulnerabilities are a concern. "I understand that Ryan Gravenberch is basically the No 6 and is on the edge of the box, and if he shoots and scores then we are saying what a play from Ryan Gravenberch," Iraola said. "I don't want us to take that from his game but we have to adapt as a team to these situations, we have to know these situations can happen."
Gravenberch's role in the team has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that he is not a defensive midfielder. His conversion to a defensive midfielder two years ago was a key success for former head coach Arne Slot, but Gravenberch's attacking instincts have been a problem for Iraola. The Dutchman had 20 shots in the top flight in 2024-25, 38 last year, and may need to be more effective from further out.
Liverpool's midfield has been a concern since the introduction of new tactics and the departure of Curtis Jones. The team's balance was disturbed with the introduction of Florian Wirtz, who Iraola has signalled will be played as a No 10. This has left Gravenberch with more responsibilities, particularly with two attack-minded full-backs who are encouraged to go forward.
The debate over Gravenberch's role has been ongoing, with some arguing that he should be further from goal. His reinvention two years ago was a key success for Slot, but Gravenberch's attacking instincts have been a problem for Iraola. The Dutchman had five goals and three assists last season, identical figures to Wirtz.
Liverpool's funds are committed elsewhere, with 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. This has led to the conclusion that Gravenberch saved Liverpool a fortune, but at St James' Park, there was a soft underbelly to Liverpool's midfield.
The introduction of new tactics and the departure of Curtis Jones has left Liverpool's midfield vulnerable. Iraola has signalled his intention to play the German as a No 10, and this has left Gravenberch with more responsibilities. The team's balance was disturbed with the introduction of Wirtz, and it remains to be seen how they will adapt to the new system.
Gravenberch's struggles have been compounded by the lack of cover in midfield. The team's defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare at Newcastle, and Iraola will need to address these issues if they are to achieve their goals. The introduction of new tactics and the departure of Curtis Jones has left Liverpool's midfield vulnerable, and it remains to be seen how they will adapt to the new system.
The outcome of this match will be crucial in determining the course of Liverpool's season. Iraola will need to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to balance their attacking and defensive instincts. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the success of Liverpool's new-look midfield.
Source: Yahoo Sports