Ryan Gravenberch’s Arsenal Display: Cause for Concern?

It was a big audition as the understudy today and the part definitely wasn’t nailed. In the high-stakes theatre of Premier League football at the top of the table, every performance is scrutinised, every pass is dissected, and the margin for error is slim. This rings particularly true for Liverpool’s recent clash against Arsenal, where the absence of Dominik Szoboszlai was acutely felt. Stepping into the fray was Ryan Gravenberch, a young signing whose potential is regarded by many as vast as the Anfield pitch. But against the Gunners, the numbers paint a concerning picture of his performance.

Gravenberch’s Struggle by the Numbers

Gravenberch’s statistics from the Arsenal game speak volumes about his current form. With no shots, zero key passes, no tackles or interceptions and a passing accuracy of 85.7%, his influence on the game was minimal. The former Bayern player only had 24 touches in the entire game. When Liverpool needed someone to fill the void left by Szoboszlai, Gravenberch seemed to drift into the periphery. His rating of 6.30 from WhoScored as per the game’s data, reflects a performance that was, at best, underwhelming. Still without a single goal or assist in the league to his name, the concern among the Reds is understandable.

Missing Szoboszlai’s Impact

Whilst it maybe seem an unfair comparison, Liverpool’s midfield dynamo Szoboszlai, has been the engine of creativity and flair that Gravenberch was tasked to emulate. However, the statistics from the Arsenal match show that the shoes left by Szoboszlai were too large for Gravenberch to fill. The loss of structure and momentum was evident, as Liverpool’s usual rhythmic passing game suffered. It wasn’t just this game though. There’s been regular questions about Gravenberch’s work ethic and desire in the defensive element of the game. It’s not always as simple as one game, but the questions aren’t getting the answers many are looking for.

Klopp’s Patience and Belief

Despite the numbers, Jurgen Klopp remains a bastion of support for his young midfielder. “Ryan is still the talent, 21, we forget that always and he didn’t play much last year,” Klopp told TNT Sports, emphasising the need for patience. Klopp’s words suggest an understanding of the ebbs and flows in a young player’s development, as he described them as “completely normal.” He recognises that Gravenberch’s trajectory won’t always be linear, hinting at the need for time and persistence.

Balancing Concern with Patience

It’s a delicate balance between the immediate demands of top-flight football and the nurturing of a young talent. Klopp’s belief in Gravenberch is unwavering, but the evidence from recent performances suggests that the Dutch midfielder is still finding his feet. The lack of goal and defensive contributions appears to be a glaring gap for a player tracked by the club for some time and one that many are struggling to overlook just now. Liverpool can’t afford to carry passengers and especially in the midfield the demands are extreme. He’s not had a pre-season and age, a new country and other elements come into the mix. There’s a need to be patient, but it’s understandable if there are a few concerns that simply shouldn’t be dismissed.