One of the biggest questions facing Andoni Iraola this season is how he is going to structure Liverpool’s midfield.
The Reds have plenty of talented midfielders, but finding the right balance could be crucial to making Iraola’s attacking football work.
And perhaps the answer is already at Anfield.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Could those two form the double pivot that Liverpool need?
I certainly think it’s worth exploring.
Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have complementary qualities
At first glance, they might not look like the obvious pairing.
Gravenberch is the more natural player to sit deeper, using his size, mobility and ability to carry the ball to help Liverpool progress possession.
Szoboszlai, meanwhile, offers enormous energy, pressing ability and an incredible engine.
But that could actually make them complementary.
Gravenberch can provide the calmness and ball progression from deeper areas, while Szoboszlai can use his athleticism to cover ground, press opponents and support attacks.
We’ve already seen the pair operate in a deeper midfield structure, showing that the idea isn’t completely new.
What happens to Florian Wirtz?
This could be the biggest benefit.
If Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are behind him, Wirtz can operate as the No.10 without having to constantly worry about dropping deep.
And that is where Liverpool want to see him.
Wirtz’s creativity is one of the biggest weapons in this team.
Give him the freedom to receive the ball between the lines, turn and attack the opposition defence, and Liverpool could have something very special.
Behind him, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai could provide the security and energy required to allow Wirtz to concentrate on what he does best.
It could also suit Iraola’s pressing game
Iraola wants Liverpool to play with intensity.
That means the midfield has to be capable of covering huge amounts of ground.
Szoboszlai is almost tailor-made for that.
His willingness to press, run and recover possession could be hugely important.
Gravenberch also has the physical attributes to cover ground and carry the ball away from pressure.
Together, they could give Liverpool a midfield capable of switching quickly between defending and attacking.
And that is exactly what Iraola appears to want.
But there is one obvious concern
The biggest question is whether that partnership gives Liverpool enough defensive protection.
A double pivot has to provide security when possession is lost.
And Liverpool have already shown during pre-season that they can be vulnerable when their press is beaten.
The Monaco defeat was a perfect example.
Liverpool raced into a 2-0 lead but eventually lost 3-2, with the game highlighting some of the defensive vulnerabilities that can come with Iraola’s aggressive approach.
If both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai push forward at the wrong time, Liverpool could leave huge spaces in front of the centre-backs.
That is something Iraola will have to manage carefully.
Could Gravenberch be the safety valve?
This is where I think Gravenberch could become particularly important.
Rather than simply sitting in front of the defence for 90 minutes, he could be given the freedom to step forward when Liverpool have control of possession.
But when the ball is lost, he needs to be the player who immediately recognises the danger and protects the centre-backs.
Szoboszlai can then use his energy to press the ball and close down passing lanes.
It wouldn’t necessarily be a traditional holding midfield partnership.
It could be much more fluid.
Szoboszlai could finally find his perfect role
One of the interesting things about Szoboszlai is his versatility.
He can play as an attacking midfielder, a deeper midfielder and has even been used in other positions.
But perhaps a double pivot could bring out the best in him.
He wouldn’t be expected to dictate every aspect of Liverpool’s build-up.
Instead, he could use his energy, pressing and ability to arrive late into attacking positions.
He could also make those explosive runs beyond Wirtz and Isak.
That could create another problem for opposition defences.
And then Liverpool have options
The beauty of this Liverpool squad is that Iraola doesn’t have to use the same midfield every week.
Alexis Mac Allister can provide another option when available.
Trey Nyoni is emerging as an extremely exciting young midfielder.
Curtis Jones remains another versatile option if he stays at the club.
Wataru Endo provides experience and defensive security.
And Wirtz can also be used in different roles depending on the opponent.
That flexibility could be incredibly valuable over a long season.
Could this be Liverpool’s midfield?
Imagine a Liverpool side lining up with:
Gravenberch — Szoboszlai
Wirtz
Barcola — Isak — Gakpo
Suddenly you have a midfield and attack that combines athleticism, creativity, pace and goals.
Gravenberch provides the foundation.
Szoboszlai provides the energy.
Wirtz provides the imagination.
And the forwards provide the finishing touch.
That is an incredibly exciting prospect.
The real test will be defensive balance
For me, the question isn’t whether Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have enough quality.
They clearly do.
The question is whether Iraola can create enough structure around them to prevent Liverpool being exposed when attacks break down.
If he can, this could be a very effective partnership.
If he can’t, Liverpool could find themselves conceding too many chances.
And given the concerns already surrounding the defence, that is something the manager cannot afford.
Could Gravenberch and Szoboszlai be the answer?
I think they deserve a serious opportunity.
Liverpool don’t necessarily need to go into the season believing they must buy another midfielder to solve the problem.
They may already have two players capable of forming an excellent double pivot.
Gravenberch’s composure and physicality.
Szoboszlai’s energy and pressing.
Wirtz’s creativity.
That combination could give Iraola exactly what he needs.
The challenge is making sure the two midfielders know when to attack and, perhaps more importantly, when to stay at home.
Get that balance right and Liverpool could have one of the most exciting midfields in the Premier League.
Gravenberch and Szoboszlai could be the double pivot that unlocks Iraola’s Liverpool.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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