The Daily Mail believes that Liverpool's hidden dangers this season are far greater than last year.

Nearly a year after Rio Ngumoha scored the winning goal in the 100th minute at St James' Park, Liverpool fans once again descended the long staircase from the upper stands, celebrating a goal in the dying minutes.

In August, they left the stadium singing and dancing. This time they also celebrated, but with deep anxiety.

As fans made their way back along the A1(M), their joy gradually faded, and everyone connected with Liverpool knew that despite the dramatic and joyful late equalizer, the club's current problems are far more numerous than a year ago.

Remember, Liverpool were then the defending champions with strong momentum at the start of the season. Many observers had backed Liverpool to win the title easily, just as they now back Arsenal. Though there are some positive signs for the team now, they are overshadowed by uncertainty.

Twelve months and a managerial change later, this opening match leaves far more questions than answers. The problems that ultimately led to Arne Slot's sacking are still evident, and despite the wild celebrations before the final whistle, fans may still worry about the new season.

The main issue facing new manager Iraola is the midfield—or rather, the lack of a reliable midfield shield. Both of Newcastle United's goals came from counterattacks, and both were avoidable because Liverpool's midfield was easily breached.

Gravenberch, Wirtz, and last-minute hero Szoboszlai are all exceptionally talented players, but can a midfield made up of these three truly function? They are all naturally attacking-minded, which leaves the back door open for opponents to exploit.

This summer, Liverpool were busy searching for a Salah replacement after he scored in his competitive debut for Trabzonspor on Sunday, but why didn't Liverpool try to recruit a defensive midfielder sooner?

This is not a new problem. Both Mac Allister and Gravenberch performed poorly throughout last season, and Liverpool have needed a defensive midfielder since Fabinho left in summer 2023.

Daniel Sturridge said on Sky Sports: "The team needs a defensive midfielder. Liverpool have been saying this for three years. Gravenberch has changed the team's midfield philosophy, but if you analyze this midfield carefully, they are all naturally more attacking-minded players."

"Look at Sangaré from Brentford—his stats are very impressive, and the transfer fee is only £39 million, which is not expensive at all."

Both of Newcastle's goals started with Gravenberch losing possession just outside the penalty area. Liverpool players had to chase back before they could react. With no midfield shield to stop the counterattack, their defense was stretched, and they conceded.

Think of the great Premier League teams; there is always a player willing to defend deep and break up opposition attacks: Claude Makélélé, N'Golo Kanté, Rodri, Fernandinho, and Manchester United's legendary midfielders.

When Liverpool won the title in the 2024-25 season, Gravenberch performed brilliantly, but has not returned to that level since. The same applies to Mac Allister. Szoboszlai is a talented player, but better suited to a more advanced position, as is Wirtz, who has once again been underwhelming in what is a crucial start to his season.

Liverpool still hope to sign Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this week, and are also considering a third bid for Yankuba Minteh from Brighton. Given their limited options on the wing, both signings are essential.

But recruiting a defensive midfielder is equally important. Even if Liverpool had three world-class forwards, they would not win any trophies if they remain vulnerable to counterattacks like in this match.

In Guardiola's superb Barcelona team, Messi, Xavi, and Andrés Iniesta attracted all the attention, but number 6, Sergio Busquets, was the driving force of that machine.

Iraola felt Liverpool played better in this match, but he may have to be content with one point, as for most of the game, Liverpool looked like they would go home empty-handed.

When he managed Bournemouth, he used an energetic and hardworking midfield pivot of Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook. Currently, the Basque coach has yet to find a way to configure a defensive midfield that can both unlock Wirtz and Szoboszlai and ensure the team's defensive solidity.

Now it is up to the club hierarchy to act, as the bench looks very thin, to ensure that the capable Iraola has the squad to succeed in the new season.

Bringing in one or two wingers is certainly good, but a new defensive midfielder must be at the top of the transfer list, alongside the wingers.

We cannot repeat the words shouted by Newcastle fans, but you can imagine the sentiment they expressed toward Alexander Isak.

Most of those words were four letters, and in short, quite rude.

Every touch from the £125 million striker was met with jeers from the passionate home fans at St James' Park.

It was a frustrating day for the Swedish striker. He looked sharp in preseason but failed to carry that form into this crucial match.

He had several chances but squandered them all, which delighted the home fans. If Liverpool are to achieve anything this season, both Isak and Wirtz must perform better.

## Attack depth becomes a concern

Lewis Koumas impressed in preseason, a talented player capable of playing across all three attacking positions, and the manager was very impressed with the young Welsh player in training.

However, seeing him come on as a substitute to try to salvage one point for the team may have caused some Liverpool fans concern.

Lewis Koumas is the son of former Premier League midfielder Romário, and spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City. Despite scoring crucial goals in Hull's promotion playoff push, he remained on the bench throughout the playoff final.

He deserves his Premier League debut, but fans have every right to question why Iraola should rely on a player who has spent the last few years in the second division, including loan spells at Birmingham and Stoke City.

Other wingers had mixed performances in this match. Harvey Muñoz made a bright impact after coming on as a substitute, constantly threatening the opposition defense and winning the foul that led to the winning penalty.

Gakpo's goal was brilliant—a long-range strike—and he was Liverpool's most dangerous attacker in the match, though his future remains uncertain due to Tottenham's interest in signing him this summer.

Ngumoha is an exciting talent with all the potential to become a world-class player in the future, but he failed to make a real impact in this match, with only 21 touches throughout. The 17-year-old is better suited to the left wing and was largely ineffective on the right in this match. Meanwhile, 2,000 miles to the southeast, Salah scored in his Süper Lig debut for Trabzonspor. With over a week remaining before the transfer window closes, Liverpool have yet to find a replacement for the Egyptian star.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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