Steven Gerrard Delivers Liverpool Transfer Warning After Newcastle Stumble: ‘They Miss That Position Badly’

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has identified a major weakness in Andoni Iraola’s squad — and believes the club must address it before the transfer window closes.

The Reds have already invested heavily in their squad this summer ahead of Iraola’s first season in charge, bringing in Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz while also securing Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.

Liverpool are also pushing to strengthen their attack. A move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is reportedly close, while the club have made bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr.

But Gerrard believes there is another area that should be a priority.

Gerrard wants a specialist No. 6

Speaking on TNT Sports, the former Liverpool captain argued that the midfield remains incomplete and called for the signing of a specialist defensive midfielder.

“There’s one area that hasn’t really had much focus, only really in the last week since the Newcastle game. I believe they need a specialist in the No. 6 position, that’s my opinion,” Gerrard said.

For Gerrard, the issue goes beyond simply adding another midfielder to the squad.

He believes Liverpool have lacked a true defensive presence in the middle of the pitch since Fabinho left, leaving the team without the player capable of protecting the defence and allowing others to play further forward.

“I think this team has missed a destroyer, someone who holds the middle of the pitch, who is a massive part of the spine since the team moved Fabinho on,” he explained.

“I think that position’s been sorely missed, I don’t think they’ve got a specialist in that position.”

Why Gerrard believes Liverpool need the role

The former Reds star believes bringing in the right player in that position could have a wider impact on the entire team.

A specialist No. 6 would provide greater protection for the back four while giving players such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister more freedom to contribute in attacking areas.

“That can allow your Szoboszlais and your Gravenberchs and your Alexis Mac Allisters to go and join attacks, to make the back four secure,” Gerrard said.

“I think they miss that position badly.”

The timing of Gerrard’s comments comes after Liverpool endured a stuttering start against Newcastle, a performance that appears to have strengthened his belief that the midfield requires another option.

However, he acknowledged that Iraola may have a different tactical vision for how he wants his side to operate.

“The manager might have different ideas in terms of how he wants the team to look and his philosophy,” Gerrard said.

Liverpool’s midfield has already changed

There has been movement in the department this summer.

Academy graduate Curtis Jones has left Liverpool for Inter Milan, while Harvey Elliott continues to be linked with a departure.

With the transfer deadline approaching, Gerrard believes the club should therefore consider whether another addition is necessary rather than relying on the existing options.

His concern is not limited to midfield, either.

Gerrard also sees a problem at No. 9

The Liverpool icon also highlighted the centre-forward position as another potential concern for Iraola.

Hugo Ekitike is currently injured, leaving Liverpool with less depth in the No. 9 role at a time when the club are also dealing with uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak.

“Obviously, Ekitike is injured at the moment, so it’s a delicate position, the No. 9,” Gerrard said.

“If there’s an issue with Isak, I think there could be problems, especially if rumours are true where Gakpo could be going in the opposite direction.”

Liverpool have been heavily linked with attacking reinforcements in recent weeks, particularly in the wide positions.

Minteh, Sarr and Barcola have all been mentioned as potential targets, suggesting the club are already looking to add more options to Iraola’s forward line.

But Gerrard believes Liverpool need to consider the “what-ifs” in the central striker position as well.

“It’s been well reported in the last weeks and months that Liverpool are linked with the wide areas,” he said.

“They’re being linked with Ismaila Sarr, Yankuba Minteh and Bradley Barcola, so they definitely need to strengthen the sides in the forward areas, but also the No. 9 for the what-ifs.”

Deadline day is approaching

Liverpool now have only a short window to respond to those concerns.

The Reds welcome Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon as they look to get their season moving after the difficult outing against Newcastle.

Beyond the weekend, attention will quickly turn back to the transfer market, with the window scheduled to close at 11pm on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool have already made significant changes ahead of Iraola’s first campaign, but Gerrard’s assessment suggests he believes one important piece is still missing.

For the former captain, the priority is clear: Liverpool need someone capable of anchoring the midfield, protecting the defence and giving their more attack-minded players the freedom to push forward.

Whether Iraola agrees with that assessment — and whether Liverpool act before the deadline — could prove one of the most intriguing questions of the final days of the window.