Liverpool's recent 2-1 loss to Newcastle has laid bare the fragility of their midfield. Ryan Gravenberch created space with a brilliant touch to get past Lewis Miley but lost possession, allowing Newcastle to capitalise on the counter-attack. The devastating counter that led to Anthony Elanga's opener required just one pass after Amar Dedic's initial clearance.
Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola tends to avoid major debriefs in the dressing room after a game, but the issue of midfield structure is clear. The club's midfielders were both in the Newcastle box when Liverpool lost possession before Elanga's opener. This lack of structure when out of possession has been a recurring theme for Liverpool, with Gravenberch's decision-making coming under scrutiny.
Iraola's preference is a two-man pivot in midfield with Florian Wirtz playing as a number 10, but his decision to bring on Alexis Mac Allister for Wirtz in the second half marked a significant improvement in Liverpool's defensive solidity. Mac Allister made two tackles and won four of his five duels (80%) after coming on.
Liverpool's priorities in the remaining days of the transfer window remain unchanged, with the focus on wide attacking players rather than midfield. However, the club has previously enquired about Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace's stance is that the 22-year-old is not for sale.