Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has identified the type of player he believes Andoni Iraola’s side still need, despite praising the exciting attacking options now available to the new head coach.
Liverpool recorded their first home Premier League victory of the season on Sunday, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 at Anfield. The result extended their winning streak in all competitions to four matches ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Chelsea.
The Reds have scored 14 goals during that run, with big-money signings Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz all making important contributions. Gerrard is pleased with the team’s progress under Iraola, who has won eight and drawn three of his first 12 games in charge.
The former Liverpool captain was particularly impressed with the recent performances of the club’s attacking players, although he believes Isak’s fitness will be crucial if the team are to maintain their momentum.
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard praised the Swedish striker’s finish against Brighton, highlighting the quality of Barcola’s cross that created the opportunity.
He also believes Barcola is beginning to demonstrate his full potential after building up his match fitness following a lack of playing time during pre-season. According to Gerrard, the French winger has enjoyed an impressive couple of weeks, allowing Liverpool supporters to see why the club invested heavily in him.
Wirtz has also responded positively to criticism following the international break. Gerrard feels the German playmaker has improved significantly in his recent appearances, although he believes there is still more to come from the talented midfielder.
Liverpool opened the scoring against Brighton through a Pascal Gross own goal, which was initially credited to Wirtz, before Isak doubled the advantage four minutes later by converting Barcola’s cross.
Despite the two quick goals, Brighton remained dangerous and created several opportunities to get back into the contest. The visitors finished with an expected goals figure of 1.35, compared with Liverpool’s 0.87, highlighting some of the defensive concerns that remain.
Gerrard believes Liverpool possess an exciting collection of attacking talent, with Isak, Barcola and Wirtz complemented by Cody Gakpo and promising youngster Rio Ngumoha.
However, he stressed that keeping those players fit and productive is only part of the challenge. Liverpool must also improve defensively after conceding too many goals.
The former midfielder acknowledged the improved performances of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, adding that Dominik Szoboszlai’s return would provide further strength to the midfield.
Nevertheless, Gerrard believes Liverpool still lack a physically powerful defensive midfielder capable of protecting the backline, disrupting opposition attacks and controlling the central areas of the pitch.
He pointed to former Liverpool players Fabinho and Dietmar Hamann as examples of the type of midfielder the club need, while also mentioning Manchester City’s Rodri as a modern comparison.
Gerrard explained that such players provide balance to a team filled with attacking talent. While others focus on creating chances and scoring goals, a disciplined defensive midfielder anticipates danger, wins possession and prevents opponents from exploiting turnovers.
Although he recognises Mac Allister’s quality, Gerrard does not believe the Argentine is exceptional in that particular defensive role.
His message is clear: Liverpool have the attacking quality to trouble any opponent, but adding a powerful defensive midfielder could help Iraola’s team become more solid, balanced and difficult to beat.
