Ryan Gravenberch is exceeding early expectations as Liverpool’s key midfield cog – Liverpool FC

Arne Slot may properly maintain the important thing to unlock the complete potential of Ryan Gravenberch if early indicators in Liverpool’s season are something to go by.

There was scrutiny on the Reds’ No. 6 place for years now, since Fabinho‘s legs went from underneath him and he was shipped off to Saudi Arabia.

Bids have been submitted by the membership, however gamers have opted towards a transfer to Anfield, leaving Liverpool to stay to their stance that they might not merely signal anybody.

With Wataru Endo instantly on the periphery of Slot’s plans after simply 45 minutes of pre-season motion, there was certainly no manner the Reds would let one other summer season move them by.

Everyone knows that’s what unfolded, although, to go away Gravenberch shouldering the burden and stress that the No. 6 position entails, however the method wherein he has began the season lends itself to optimism.

New lease on life

The failure to signal Actual Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi undoubtedly modified Slot’s meant plans, however he has by no means steered he’s something apart from satisfied by Gravenberch.

“I believe he has the attributes to play there,” the Dutchman advised TNT Sports activities forward of the opener at Ipswich.

“He has to develop in that place, that’s additionally clear, however he’s snug with the ball, he can run, he can preserve operating.”

As Jurgen Klopp harassed when deploying Alexis Mac Allister as his No. 6, Slot has completed the identical together with his No. 38. The position will not be a person one as “defending we do with 11,” he mentioned.

Now, we can not get carried away as we’re solely three video games into the season, however you sense Gravenberch may have loads consuming their phrases if he continues on the identical trajectory.

The 22-year-old seems to be to have been buoyed by Slot’s perception in his capabilities. He’s calm underneath stress, robust on the ball, and his defensive work has been admirable so far.

As per FotMob, he’s averaging two profitable tackles and a pair of.3 interceptions per 90 – the perfect of any Pink – whereas his common of 53.2 correct passes per 90 is barely bettered by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

The previous Ajax man is anchoring the midfield and taking all of it in his stride, and plenty of will understandably have been shocked by what they’ve seen.

It is a participant who, earlier than becoming a member of Liverpool final season, had change into the forgotten determine underneath Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann at Bayern Munich, which did little for his confidence and standing.

But when any efficiency up to now was to be a nod to his evolution, it was at Previous Trafford on Sunday.

Theatre of desires

Anticipation and consciousness, the attributes that made Casemiro look a idiot and Gravenberch the hero as he reduce out the move, charged ahead and set Liverpool’s first purpose in movement.

It was authoritative and a nod to his progressive and ball-carrying qualities, traits which have all the time been a part of his recreation however can now shine with common recreation time and renewed perception.

In opposition to United, although, he was not a lone No. 6, as an alternative sitting alongside Mac Allister in a double pivot that had him positioned in a barely extra superior position.

Slot famous how his ways tailored primarily based on United’s build-up phases, and by making the mandatory tweaks – together with shifting Dominik Szoboszlai to the left – he confirmed us a distinct dynamic from his first-choice midfield trio.

Gravenberch made 4 interceptions (probably the most of any participant), received seven duels, made six recoveries and received each tackles contested – he was by no means dribbled previous and earned three fouls.

Numerous evaluation on how poor Casemiro was right now (he was), however have a look at the anticipation from Gravenberch right here. He makes a poor move right into a catastrophic one by being on his toes and studying it. Cuts the move out and completely modifications the stream of the sport.

Nice efficiency ? pic.twitter.com/oCV0517vvk

— Paul (Maych) Machin (@ThePaulMachin) September 1, 2024

These off-ball statistics converse to what the 22-year-old can supply regularly, and it has left an impression on supporters and his head coach.

“What impressed me most once I began working with him [was] how a lot he can run after which nonetheless how good he’s when he arrives within the duel,” Slot mentioned of Gravenberch after the 3-0 win.

“[Against United] you noticed with him, Dominik and Macca, how a lot they have been in a position to carry on operating. As a result of generally you’re late, however they simply saved on operating and arriving within the duel.

“That’s the one factor that impressed me most about him, how good he is also with out the ball.”

Liverpool have their hand

There may be no denying that Liverpool nonetheless want so as to add an elite No. 6 to their ranks, however they’ve their hand and it’s all they will maintain till January on the earliest.

The background noise will rumble on and the quantity will largely be dictated by Gravenberch’s performances – there is no such thing as a manner he can keep away from such a destiny – however he might be relieved the switch window is closed.

He can solely look ahead and, in flip, the identical goes for everybody else.

Liverpool saved themselves in a precarious place by not investing of their midfield this summer season, however Slot’s use of Gravenberch can actually soothe the pitfalls of that call.

The younger Dutch midfielder has proven he can step up and be the participant Liverpool want whereas additionally nonetheless highlighting the place the membership must strengthen – it isn’t mutually unique.

Accidents – which we will solely hope might be lowered this season – will play their half, as will a recreation each three days, however it can’t be the excuse by the point we attain the tip of the season.

It’s early days, sure, however with Gravenberch exceeding expectations there may be motive to hope Slot’s debut season is not going to be outlined by a Spaniard choosing mountain ranges over Anfield.