Jamie Carragher slams Liverpool midfield tactics in Newcastle draw

Former defender Jamie Carragher has heavily criticised Liverpool’s midfield structure after they were repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack during a 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle United.

The Reds required a last-minute penalty to salvage a point after trailing for the majority of the contest at St James’ Park.

However, it was the team’s glaring vulnerability in transition that drew the ire of their former centre-back.

Midfield balance questioned

Operating without a traditional defensive anchor, the Merseyside club struggled to contain rapid breakaways throughout the match.

The tactical setup left Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai exposed as opposing runners frequently bypassed the centre of the pitch.

Taking to social media, the Sky Sports pundit voiced his immense frustration at the recurring tactical flaw.

“LFC midfield all bombing forward happened all pre-season, madness!”

Vulnerability on the transition

Following another sweeping move that allowed Joe Willock to capitalise and score, the 46-year-old reiterated his strong stance.

“Again! This midfield cannot work, I said it before a competitive ball was kicked.”

During their most successful period under former manager Jurgen Klopp, the Anfield side relied on a pragmatic trio of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Jordan Henderson.

That balanced combination has never been fully replaced, leading to an increasingly open and frantic style of play.

End-to-end chaos

Speaking before the campaign began, the Champions League winner warned that elite squads do not survive by playing basketball-style matches.

“Liverpool have too many attacking players on the pitch, they just want to bomb forward. No top team plays football like that.”

The latest defensive lapses will undoubtedly intensify scrutiny on the tactical choices being made in the Anfield dugout.