**Liverpool were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Newcastle United in the opening game of the Premier League season, but there were a number of issues that become plainly obvious.**
Right-back
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Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimong embarrassed themselves with how they played against Newcastle United.
Is Newcastle a good team? Yes. Should Liverpool’s fullbacks lose the plot against the likes of Anthony Elanga? No.
Both players were so poor that it has highlighted how much work this squad needed this summer that hasn’t been done.
Now, Kerkez has a bright future even if his decision-making needs to improve. Frimpong, however, just isn’t good enough.
A right-back is needed and [Liverpool need to investigate signing Hector Fort on loan before the summer ends](https://live4liverpool.com/liverpool-are-one-of-several-clubs-interested-in-signing-hector-fort-on-loan-this-summer/).
Holding midfielder
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With the news that Manchester City are spending over [£86m](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13576242/ayyoub-bouaddi-transfer-manchester-city-reach-agreement-with-lille-to-sign-18-year-old-morocco-midfielder) on Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, it’s frustrating that Liverpool aren’t involved in the conversation.
I cannot see how Andoni Iraola’s football can be played without signing a top holding midfielder.
The midfield pivot of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch is not going to work. Both players want to charge forward with the ball at their feet and struggle to stop attacks when Liverpool lose the ball.
Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh
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Liverpool need to sign both wingers before the window closes, but Barcola is particularly important. It’s strange to say because Cody Gakpo was actually Liverpool’s best player on the day, but until the Reds get the Barcola deal over the line, they will struggle to stretch teams.
Temporary striker
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Isak was so, so poor against his old club that it was actually really worrying.
While he won’t have 60,000 people booing him every week, his control and movement were nothing like what you’d expect from a £125m striker, much less the striker leading the line for Liverpool FC.
Isak’s poor form aside, he is the only fully fit senior striker that the Reds have.
Until Hugo Ekitike returns from injury, Liverpool will be at risk of hanging their entire chance of success on Isak’s form.
The Swede will also need a rest before long, but Liverpool don’t have anyone who is ready to fill that role.