Gravenberch loses possession before both Newcastle goals as Liverpool's number-six void resurfaces

Liverpool drew 2-2 at Newcastle in their 2026-27 opener after Ryan Gravenberch lost possession before both home goals. The club have not had an out-and-out defensive midfielder — a "number six" — since Fabinho left in 2023. Head coach Andoni Iraola fields a two-man pivot with Florian Wirtz as a number 10. Liverpool have no plans to sign one before the window shuts.