Liverpool’s midfield is malfunctioning

Key Points:

• Liverpool's recent 0-0 draw with Fulham exposed significant issues under new head coach Andoni Iraola, with the team appearing flat, error-prone, and lacking creativity, especially after their midweek win over Atletico Madrid.
• Fatigue was cited by Iraola as a factor in the poor performance, given the short turnaround between games, but defensive frailties, particularly from left-back Kostas Tsimikas, highlighted deeper squad weaknesses.
• Liverpool's midfield is a major concern, with a lack of balance and ineffective performances from key players like Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai, despite significant financial investments and contract renewals.
• Iraola acknowledged difficulties in midfield pressing and control during the first half but noted some improvement in the second half, although the team still failed to create clear chances and showed collective sloppiness.
• The coach faces pressure to adapt and strengthen his squad, especially in midfield and defensive cover, as Liverpool prepare for upcoming matches including the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur.