Liverpool's midfield is fragile - will they act in the window?

What the report says

Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle has renewed scrutiny of the team’s midfield balance, with BBC Sport Football reporting that recent goals conceded highlighted a lack of defensive structure when the side loses possession. The article focused on Ryan Gravenberch’s role in both Newcastle goals, while noting that Liverpool have not had a specialist holding midfielder since Fabinho left in 2023.

The report said Liverpool’s current midfield setup, which can leave Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai advanced and Florian Wirtz playing as a No. 10, has made the team vulnerable in transition. Alexis Mac Allister’s introduction was said to have improved stability, but the broader issue remains whether Liverpool can defend these situations consistently enough to be seen as title contenders. Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge also criticised the squad’s lack of a natural defensive midfielder.

BBC Sport said Liverpool’s transfer priority in the final days of the window remains wide attackers rather than midfield reinforcements, although the club would still assess any opportunity that arises. The article noted previous interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, but Palace are unwilling to sell. It also referenced earlier failed moves for Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi as context for Liverpool’s ongoing search for a No. 6.

The piece argues that last season’s success may have obscured deeper structural problems in midfield, which are now more exposed.