Andoni Iraola's biggest problem at Liverpool is now clear

The first weeks of Andoni Iraola’s reign as Liverpool manager have been tough.

Even before the Spaniard walked through the door several first-team regulars were facing long-term injuries, including Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley who are both still sidelined.

Things appeared to be trending in a positive direction before the international break, but the last few weeks may have somewhat derailed Liverpool’s start to the season.

Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, Iraola’s two most dangerous attackers, both picked up injuries whilst on international duty and Dominik Szoboszlai, the club’s second highest goal scorer this season, was absent from Sunday’s clash against Manchester City.

Sunday’s collapse at Anfield highlighted Iraola’s biggest problem, and there’s little he can do to fix it.

Liverpool’s biggest problem under Iraola is painfully clear

Although the Reds delivered a fairly solid display for the first 60 minutes of the match against Enzo Maresca’s side, all control was lost the moment Ryan Graveneberch received his red card.

The Dutchman helped keep his side in the contest, but it was by no means a complete performance.

Many supporters were once again left frustrated with Iraola’s midfield, even before the sending off, and it is now painfully obvious that the weakest part of Liverpool’s squad is their midfield.

With Szoboszlai absent, Iraola was left with very little choice other than to play Alexis Mac Allister and Gravnberch in behind Florian Wirtz.

Wataru Endo, who is yet to play under the Spaniard, Trey Nyoni and James McConnell were the only midfielders available on the bench, and none of the trio are preferred options when coming up against one of the best sides in Europe.

Curtis Jones was sold in the summer with no replacement lined up, and the Reds’ midfield has looked incredibly unbalanced this campaign.

Several midfielders have been linked with a winter move including Lamine Camara and Cher Ndour, but with over 10 weeks to go until the window opens Iraola will have to figure out a more instant solution.

If the Reds’ midfield continues to put in such poor displays, the team will be well out of contention for any major trophy before reinforcements can even be added.

1. Fixing the midfield is Iraola’s biggest challenge, and he needs to figure it out quickly.