Arne Slot might nicely maintain the important thing to unlock the total 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 beneath 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’d 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 means the Reds would let one other summer time go them by.
Everyone knows that’s what unfolded, although, to depart Gravenberch shouldering the load and stress that the No. 6 function entails, however the method by which 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 urged he’s something aside from satisfied by Gravenberch.
“I feel 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 comfy with the ball, he can run, he can hold working.”
As Jurgen Klopp harassed when deploying Alexis Mac Allister as his No. 6, Slot has accomplished the identical together with his No. 38. The function just isn’t a person one as “defending we do with 11,” he stated.
Now, we can not get carried away as we’re solely three video games into the season, however you sense Gravenberch could have a lot consuming their phrases if he continues on the identical trajectory.
The 22-year-old seems to have been buoyed by Slot’s perception in his capabilities. He’s calm beneath stress, robust on the ball, and his defensive work has been admirable up to now.
As per FotMob, he’s averaging two profitable tackles and a pair of.3 interceptions per 90 – one of the best 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 lots of will understandably have been shocked by what they’ve seen.
This can be a participant who, earlier than becoming a member of Liverpool final season, had change into the forgotten determine beneath Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann at Bayern Munich, which did little for his confidence and standing.
But when any efficiency thus far was to be a nod to his evolution, it was at Previous Trafford on Sunday.
Theatre of goals
Anticipation and consciousness, the attributes that made Casemiro look a idiot and Gravenberch the hero as he minimize out the go, charged ahead and set Liverpool’s first objective 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.
Towards United, although, he was not a lone No. 6, as a substitute sitting alongside Mac Allister in a double pivot that had him positioned in a barely extra superior function.
Slot famous how his techniques tailored based mostly on United’s build-up phases, and by making the required 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), gained seven duels, made six recoveries and gained each tackles contested – he was by no means dribbled previous and earned three fouls.
A number of evaluation on how poor Casemiro was at the moment (he was), however take a look at the anticipation from Gravenberch right here. He makes a poor go right into a catastrophic one by being on his toes and studying it. Cuts the go out and completely modifications the move of the sport.
Nice efficiency ? pic.twitter.com/oCV0517vvk
— Paul (Maych) Machin (@ThePaulMachin) September 1, 2024
These off-ball statistics communicate 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 stated of Gravenberch after the 3-0 win.
“[Against United] you noticed with him, Dominik and Macca, how a lot they have been capable of carry on working. As a result of typically you’re late, however they simply saved on working 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 could 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’ll 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 means he can keep away from such a destiny – however he shall 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 time, 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 have to strengthen – it isn’t mutually unique.
Accidents – which we will solely hope shall be decreased this season – will play their half, as will a recreation each three days, but it surely 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’s cause to hope Slot’s debut season won’t be outlined by a Spaniard choosing mountain ranges over Anfield.
