As Liverpool prepares for the new season, concerns regarding the balance and effectiveness of their midfield have come to the forefront. Dr. Phil Barts, during a discussion with Dave Davis on the Transfer Market Metrics special for Anfield Index, raised critical points about whether the current midfield setup can provide the necessary support throughout the demanding campaign.
The analysis focused on key players including Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz. In a recent match against Monaco, Wirtz played as the attacking midfielder, while Gravenberch and Szoboszlai formed a double pivot. While acknowledging the individual strengths of these players, Davis cautioned against overlooking potential defensive vulnerabilities, stating, “only a fool would just bypass all concerns or say there’s no worry around defensive situations.”
Barts took a closer look at Liverpool's midfield statistics, comparing them to those of Arsenal and Manchester City. His findings were alarming, particularly regarding defensive metrics such as recoveries, interceptions, and tackles. He noted that Liverpool's midfielders often found themselves either unsupported or only backed by a single player in crucial defensive scenarios. Specifically, he pointed out that their tackling statistics were not reflective of what is expected from players in central midfield positions for a top-tier team.
Another area of concern highlighted by Barts was the method of possession progression. He observed that both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai appeared more adept at carrying the ball rather than effectively passing it forward. This lack of progressive passing ability raises questions about how well Liverpool can transition from defense to attack, particularly when facing high-pressure situations.
Summarizing his thoughts on the midfield, Barts expressed significant worries: “We only have one player who’s performing anywhere near a top level, and we have certain areas which we haven’t got anybody doing the work enough.” He emphasized the necessity for a player with a different profile to complete the midfield setup, suggesting that while Liverpool has players who can create and influence attacking plays, they might lack the requisite defensive work and positional awareness.
Gravenberch's role was specifically scrutinized, with Barts labeling him as more of an attacking midfielder rather than a defensive one. He remarked, “Grav is an eight. I’m not going to knock him for being an eight,” but expressed concern about Gravenberch’s tendency to make recoveries in unfavorable positions for a defensive midfielder. Similarly, he raised doubts about Szoboszlai’s positional discipline in a double pivot role, indicating that this could hinder Liverpool's title aspirations.
Despite the evident talent within the midfield trio, Barts expressed skepticism about their ability to function cohesively. He stated, “that midfield for me is unbalanced,” and underscored the importance of off-the-ball contributions, which he believes are currently lacking. Furthermore, he pointed out that without a player capable of consistently linking the lines with effective passing, it could limit Wirtz's impact on the game, as he emphasized the need to get the ball into areas where Wirtz can excel.
In conclusion, Liverpool's midfield challenges encompass issues of balance, discipline, and defensive protection. While the individual talents of Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Wirtz are undeniable, the overarching question remains whether they can effectively function as a cohesive unit capable of meeting the demands of a competitive season.
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