Andoni Iraola's first match in charge of Liverpool ended in a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United, but the result masked deeper concerns over the team's defensive structure, particularly surrounding the role of Ryan Gravenberch.
The game, played at St James' Park, carried symbolic weight as a tribute to former Newcastle and Liverpool striker Kevin Keegan, who scored hat-tricks for both clubs during his career. On the pitch, however, it was Gravenberch's involvement that drew scrutiny, as the Dutch midfielder was tied to passages of play leading to both Newcastle goals during the opening weekend fixture.
Gravenberch, deployed as Liverpool's defensive midfielder, was caught high up the pitch on both occasions, losing possession roughly 80 yards from his own goal at one point. Newcastle punished the lapses with swift, clinical counter-attacks. Yoane Wissa, Newcastle's number 10, was named man of the match for his role in exploiting the space left behind Liverpool's midfield.
Iraola, in his first press remarks as head coach, defended his midfielder while acknowledging the tactical adjustments needed going forward. "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. The second goal we did better in terms of having the numbers to defend, but we don't make a foul or go to the first challenge. It's not just because one person is playing there. It's something we have to correct between a lot of players."
The issue extends beyond a single player. Under previous manager Arne Slot, Liverpool often fielded three or even four central midfielders together — Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones — providing defensive solidity. That balance has since shifted with the arrival of Florian Wirtz, who Iraola intends to use as a No 10, effectively reducing central midfield to a pairing. With Szoboszlai given license to push forward and both full-backs encouraged to attack, more defensive responsibility falls on Gravenberch.
Questions also remain over whether Gravenberch is truly suited to the defensive midfield role. He was originally converted into the position after Martin Zubimendi opted to stay at Real Sociedad in 2024 rather than join Liverpool, before eventually moving to Arsenal. Wataru Endo, signed in 2023, remains the last player Liverpool specifically recruited as a defensive midfielder.
Gravenberch's underlying numbers hint at an attacking instinct that may work against defensive discipline. Last season he registered five goals and three assists in the Premier League — matching Wirtz's output and surpassing Alexander Isak — while taking 38 shots, nearly double the 20 he attempted the previous campaign.
With Curtis Jones expected to depart and no direct central midfield replacement lined up — partly due to the emergence of academy player Trey Nyoni in pre-season, and partly because funds are being reserved for a right-wing signing to eventually replace Mohamed Salah — Liverpool's midfield setup looks unlikely to change in personnel terms before the transfer window closes.
That spending, once a winger arrives, could push Liverpool's outlay over roughly the last year beyond £600million, potentially towards £650million, without a single addition made to the central midfield unit. As many rival clubs continue investing heavily in that area of the pitch, Liverpool's approach stands out — and Sunday's game suggested the gap could prove costly if not addressed through tactical solutions rather than transfers.
Based on reporting from The Independent.