Liverpool’s Team of the Year pair desperately need replacing | OneFootball

Liverpool simply must replace a pair of players who were the best in England just last season. It's time for change.

Liverpool have struggled badly this season and things need to change quickly. The Reds have been grinding out results when they really should have been punishing teams - and that’s on the good days.

The bad days, such as against Wolves on Tuesday night, see Liverpool struggle all game long and then drop points. It’s been a common theme this season and it’s an incredibly worrying one.

There are issues all across the pitch, of course, but the lack of control is possibly the major issue right now. Liverpool are vulnerable on the counter attack, struggle to pin defences back, and find it difficult to pick out moments that break a low block.

And that’s something that leaves us pointing at midfield.

Liverpool’s midfield: Situation Summary

Current Tactical Setup

As of March 4, 2026, Liverpool’s midfield remains the engine room of Arne Slot’s tactical approach, though it is currently undergoing a period of enforced rotation. The primary starting trio consists of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch. While this group has provided a high level of technical security and ball retention throughout the season, the recent 2-1 loss to Wolves on March 3 highlighted the physical toll of a dense fixture list, as the unit struggled to maintain its usual defensive intensity during the second half.

Injury and Depth Challenges

The squad is currently navigating a significant availability crisis that has stripped away almost all veteran defensive cover. Wataru Endo is out until at least May following surgery on a broken ankle, and Stefan Bajcetic remains sidelined with a long-term hamstring issue. Furthermore, the marquee summer signing Florian Wirtz is unavailable due to a back injury, with his return targeted for the Champions League clash against Galatasaray next week. This has left Curtis Jones as the only senior rotational option available to support the starting three, placing immense pressure on the core starters to avoid further fatigue-related injuries.

Contractual Strategy and Future Planning

Sporting Director Richard Hughes is reportedly prioritising contract stability for this unit heading into the summer. Gravenberch has already been tied down until 2032. Dominik Szoboszlai is under contract until June 2028, but the club is expected to offer improved terms to reflect his "world-class" development this season and deter interest from major European rivals. Alexis Mac Allister’s situation is also being monitored closely; while he is committed long-term, reports suggest Liverpool may look to proactively extend his deal this summer to solidify his position as a cornerstone of the post-overhaul era.

Time for change

It’s become clear that Liverpool’s midfield pairing of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister isn’t working. That’s not a comment on them as individual players but that partnership simply isn’t delivering what the Reds need.

And that’s a blow. Both players made it into the PFA Team of the Year last season and rightly so. It just feels as though what they offer has been figured out by other teams.

Mac Allister’s biggest impact, for one, has come away from the base of midfield. He’s been better in the opposition box, while Gravenberch is struggling to run games from deep.

The Dutchman doesn’t appear capable of being the deeper midfielder. His 45 minutes against Wolves showed that - just one defensive contribution and a mere 26 completed passes.

Curtis Jones, who came on for him, had seven defensive contributions and 30 completed passes in what wasn’t even a particularly good game from him, either. But Gravenberch needs some sort of change, be it in his own position or in who helps him as a partner.

So it’s time for change. Liverpool simply must try something new - be it a different pairing at the base of midfield or ditching the idea of a flat midfield two altogether. Returning to the sole holding midfielder role may be exactly what they need as they attempt to wrestle back control in games.

There are still a few months of this season still to run and it’s vital that something changes. The midfield may be the area that has the biggest effect - so let’s see what Arne Slot does.