Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has called on his forwards to contribute more defensively to support the midfield, following ongoing scrutiny of the team’s central players this season. The Reds' midfielders, including Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, underperformed during Sunday’s goalless Premier League draw against Fulham at Anfield, where they secured only three of 14 ground duels.

Ahead of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, Iraola signaled the possibility of rotating his squad, with Alexis Mac Allister and teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni in contention for starting roles. Despite potential changes in personnel, the coach emphasized that the midfield’s effectiveness relies heavily on the collective effort of the team as a whole.

“It’s not just the midfielders,” Iraola remarked. “When we have been good collectively, the midfielders have looked a lot better and recovered more balls.” He explained that improved individual performance in midfield is less about solo success in duels and more about the team’s support—particularly the forwards’ defensive contributions. “If the ones up front do their job very well then defenders and midfielders look good. If we are allowing them to defend one-v-one all the time and we are not aggressive, then also our defenders will struggle.”

Iraola underscored the importance of collective responsibility, adding that collaboration across the pitch helps players occupy smarter positions and perform more effectively. The manager rejected the notion that the solution lies merely in swapping individual players, instead urging a team-wide approach to defensive work rate and positioning.

With Liverpool preparing for a challenging fixture against Tottenham, Iraola’s comments suggest a push for greater unity and effort across all lines to address the team’s midfield difficulties and improve overall performance.