Why Liverpool cannot win the Premier League with Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch after Newcastle display

Liverpool drew 2-2 with Newcastle United on Sunday in the Premier League, and the Toon exposed the Reds' midfield as their weakest area.

Andoni Iraola's squad is understaffed as things stand, but he is expected to be reinforced with up to two wingers, and that could help him build a devastating attack.

However, the head coach should arguably be looking at his midfield considering Newcastle were routinely able to get the better of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The pair operated in a double pivot, but neither truly dealt with counter-attacks, and they were often far too adventurous.

Here, Sports Mole explores why Liverpool must sign a midfielder this transfer window if they wish to compete for the title.

Ryan Gravenberch: Why he cannot be Liverpool's defensive midfielder

While the defensive responsibilities are shared in a double pivot, Gravenberch has still primarily operated in deeper zones for Liverpool since 2024-25.

His ability to win duels and turn out of pressure helped Liverpool win the title in Arne Slot's debut campaign, but he has struggled in that role since 2025.

The Dutchman is not only a poor passer, but he also takes far too many risks with his ball carrying, as seen by Newcastle's opening goal on Sunday.

An electric start!

Anthony Elanga gives Newcastle the lead inside 5 minutes! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/8DYYFJ9i6F
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2026

Gravenberch carried forward from the middle when he was isolated, and he played a loose pass before Newcastle entered the space he had vacated.

While Szoboszlai should have been there to provide some cover, Gravenberch should have realised that carrying the ball forward was risky, and he needed to get his pass right to avoid a turnover.

There is also the issue of his defensive application, as while the 24-year-old usually wins the battles he contests, he is not always switched on defensively.

With Gravenberch contracted to Anfield until 2032, the only way to maximise the midfielder's best attributes may be to place him in a less demanding role as the more advanced player in a double pivot.

Dominik Szoboszlai: Should Andoni Iraola play him in the double pivot?

Szoboszlai's attitude towards defending can never be faulted given he often leads the press, and is a willing tracker, but there are concerns about whether he understands how to play in a deeper role.

The Hungarian has never played in a double pivot at club level outside of isolated matches, and he has primarily operated as either part of a midfield three, as a number 10 or as a winger.

Szoboszlai's natural instincts are to charge forward, and the drawbacks of that were laid bare by his decision to not cover for Gravenberch for Newcastle's first goal.

"Wow!"

Joe Willock restores Newcastle's advantage almost instantly with an exceptional finish! ? pic.twitter.com/8IKPUgqapK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2026

The 25-year-old left large gaps in the middle in pre-season, and if he continues to play in the same role in the Premier League, opponents could exploit his positioning further.

It came as no surprise to see Iraola switch to a midfield three in the second half against Newcastle, with Alexis Mac Allister initially playing at the base, which allowed Szoboszlai and Gravenberch more freedom.

Liverpool transfer news: Enough time to sign Lamine Camara?

While Lamine Camara would offer the best mix of technical security and defensive nous of the midfielders potentially on the market, he is reportedly a target of several clubs.

Liverpool have been linked to the Monaco star in the past, though the problem the Reds now have is that the transfer window closes on September 1.

If Camara was the only deal the Merseysiders needed, then a transfer could be relatively straightforward, but Liverpool must complete several moves between now and deadline day.

Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh are being seriously pursued, and signing both will take considerable time and resources.

Unless something dramatic forces Liverpool's hand, they look likely to head into the rest of the season with a dysfunctional midfield.