Liverpool’s alarming weakness is clear and signing a new winger won’t solve it

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Ryan Gravenberch’s campaign began with passes that led to three goals. Though a contributory factor was that Liverpool’s supposedly defensive midfielder was so advanced, caught ahead of the ball when a change in manager may make it even more important he is behind it.

It’s not just because one person is playing there. So, too, the broader task of subduing the opposition’s No 10, and Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa was the man of the match on Sunday.Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool struggled against Newcastle United (Getty)It was scarcely all Gravenberch’s fault but he feels at the heart of several issues.

One is that a team should not be opened up so easily through the middle of the pitch; as Liverpool adapt to Iraola’s football, they presumably will not be. Andoni Iraola started his Liverpool reign with a draw at Newcastle (PA Wire)Factor in two attack-minded full-backs who are encouraged to go forward and with defensive vulnerabilities and Gravenberch’s responsibilities seem to grow.