Liverpool endured a difficult opening under Andoni Iraola against Newcastle, and club legend Steven Gerrard has identified an area he believes must be addressed before the transfer deadline.
The former Reds captain insists Liverpool need to bring in a specialist defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes. The club has already made several additions this summer ahead of Iraola’s first campaign in charge, signing Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, while also bringing in Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.
Liverpool are still looking to strengthen their attack, with a deal reportedly nearing completion for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. The Reds have also made offers for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr.
However, Gerrard believes midfield should be the priority. Speaking on TNT Sports, he argued that Liverpool have lacked a natural No. 6 since Fabinho left the club.
He explained that the team needs a player capable of protecting the defence, controlling the centre of the pitch and allowing midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to push forward and contribute in attack.
Liverpool have experienced some changes in midfield this summer, with academy graduate Curtis Jones completing a move to Inter Milan, while Harvey Elliott continues to attract transfer interest.
Gerrard also raised concerns about Liverpool’s options at centre-forward. With Hugo Ekitike currently injured, he believes the situation could become problematic if a potential move for Alexander Isak fails to materialise. There are also reports suggesting Cody Gakpo could potentially leave if Liverpool complete their pursuit of the Newcastle striker.
While Gerrard acknowledged Liverpool’s efforts to strengthen the wide areas with interest in Barcola, Minteh and Sarr, he stressed that the club must also have sufficient depth at No. 9 to deal with any potential setbacks.
Liverpool will look to kick-start their season when they host Nottingham Forest this weekend, with the transfer window set to close at 11pm on Tuesday.
