A season-opener that raised questions as much as eyebrows

Andoni Iraola's Liverpool reign began with the kind of match that will have supporters simultaneously encouraged and frustrated. A 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on the opening day of the Premier League season had everything, an early setback, a comeback, another setback, and then a 99th-minute penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai that rescued a point just when all seemed lost. Anthony Elanga put the hosts ahead inside five minutes, Cody Gakpo levelled with an impressive finish, Joe Willock restored Newcastle's lead, and then Lewis Hall's foul on Victor Munoz handed Szoboszlai the chance to salvage something from the chaos.

It was the sort of opening-day drama that tells you relatively little about where a team is heading but quite a lot about its character. The Reds found a way when it mattered most, and that resilience will count for something over a long season. What it also exposed, however, has lit up the debate about whether this squad is properly equipped heading into a crucial window.

Iraola and Sturridge clash on the midfield question

The loudest talking point after the final whistle centred on Liverpool's midfield setup. Daniel Sturridge was direct in his assessment, arguing that Iraola's side are crying out for a player with genuine defensive instincts. Pointing to the naturally attacking tendencies of Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, the former Reds striker said: "I think the team needs a defensive midfielder personally. We've been talking about a defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the last three years. Gravenberch coming into the team, playing consistently and Liverpool winning the Premier League sort of changed that philosophy, but if you actually analyse the midfield, they're all naturally more attacking players."

Sturridge went further, referencing Brentford's summer signing Mamadou Sangare and questioning why Liverpool hadn't moved for a player of his profile, noting: "Third in interceptions, third in tackles, third in possession recovered. For me, £39 million, you sort of think to yourself: 'That's not a load of money for someone like Liverpool.'" Iraola, to his credit, pushed back without dismissing the concern entirely. Addressing the specific situation involving Gravenberch's positioning, the Spaniard said: "I don't think it's just personnel because I understand you are telling me basically Ryan Gravenberch is the six and he's in the edge of the box, but if he shoots and he scores, we'd be like wow what a play from Gravenberch. I don't want to also take this from his game but we have to adapt to this as a team." Two very different perspectives, and the truth likely sits somewhere in between.

Barcola, Minteh and the race to beat the deadline

While the tactical debate rumbles on, the business end of the transfer window is very much alive. James Pearce has reported that Liverpool are expected to bring in new signings before the September 1 deadline, with two attacking additions the priority. Bradley Barcola remains the headline target, with reports indicating that a bid for the Paris Saint-Germain winger is set to be tabled this week. According to Nicolo Schira, Liverpool are leading the race despite interest from Arsenal and a Saudi Pro League club, and an agreement in principle on a contract until 2032 is said to already be in place between the club and Barcola.

Yankuba Minteh is the other name firmly in Iraola's sights, though Liverpool have already seen two bids knocked back for the Brighton winger. The pursuit continues. Elsewhere, teenage Colombian midfielder Matias Orozco, an 18-year-old from Deportivo Cali carrying a reported £5.2 million release clause, has emerged as a target, with Liverpool reportedly battling Leeds United for his signature.

The outgoings picture is taking shape too

It is not all inbound activity. Harvey Elliott was absent from the matchday squad against Newcastle, not through injury, but by Iraola's decision, and The Athletic has reported that both Elliott and Federico Chiesa could depart Anfield before the window closes. Chiesa's omission was attributed to a fitness issue. Reports from Italy have linked Elliott with AC Milan, who are said to be in the market for a left-footed attacker.

Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic's situation has attracted attention from his boyhood club Celta Vigo, with reports in Spain suggesting the La Liga side want the midfielder back, though they would need him to terminate his Liverpool contract early. Celta Vigo head coach Claudio Giráldez kept his cards close to his chest on the matter, saying: "If he's happy and we can reach an agreement, it would be a good situation, but I'm not thinking about that right now." With eight days left in the window, Liverpool's squad is far from its finished shape.