Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool’s Defensive Midfield Answer or Misunderstood Talent?

In today’s episode of the Media Matters podcast by Anfield Index, David Lynch and Dave Davis tackled one of the more contentious topics surrounding Liverpool’s transfer activities: Ryan Gravenberch’s ability to fulfill the number 6 role, a crucial position in Jurgen Klopp’s system. Gravenberch, who has faced his fair share of criticism, especially after his performances last season, was staunchly defended by Lynch. The conversation highlighted both the potential Gravenberch possesses and the broader context of his performances, which might have been misunderstood by some critics.

Gravenberch’s Struggles and Potential

The podcast conversation delved into the perception that Gravenberch struggled last season, particularly in his defensive duties. However, Lynch was quick to counter this narrative. He argued that much of the criticism directed towards the young midfielder was misplaced. Lynch stated, “I don’t think it’s fair to judge Gravenberch on a season where he wasn’t playing in his best position and was constantly being shifted around.”

This insight suggests that Gravenberch’s struggles might not be due to a lack of talent or capability but rather the result of being deployed in unfamiliar roles. Lynch highlighted that Gravenberch was often asked to play in positions that didn’t suit his strengths, which inevitably led to less-than-ideal performances. “You can’t expect a player to excel when he’s not being given a consistent role or the chance to settle into a particular position,” Lynch added.

The Case for Gravenberch as a Number 6

One of the key points raised during the discussion was whether Gravenberch can be molded into the number 6 role that Liverpool so desperately needs to fill. Lynch expressed confidence in Gravenberch’s ability to adapt to this position, provided he is given the right guidance and time to develop. “He’s got the physical attributes, he’s got the intelligence, and he’s got the passing range. It’s about nurturing those qualities in a way that suits the number 6 role,” Lynch asserted.

This view contrasts with some of the skepticism surrounding Gravenberch’s defensive abilities. Critics often point to his lack of experience in a pure defensive midfield role, suggesting that Liverpool might need a more traditional defensive midfielder. However, Lynch rebutted this by emphasising that Gravenberch’s versatility could be an asset rather than a liability. “Yes, he’s not a traditional number 6, but in modern football, that role is evolving. You don’t just need a destroyer; you need someone who can play, who can distribute the ball, and who can transition quickly from defense to attack,” Lynch argued.

Addressing The Criticism

Lynch also took the opportunity to address the broader criticism of Gravenberch’s performances last season. He suggested that many of the negative opinions stemmed from unrealistic expectations placed on a young player still finding his feet in a new league. “The Premier League is unforgiving, especially for young talents coming from abroad. Gravenberch was never going to be an instant success, and it’s unfair to expect that,” Lynch said.

He further pointed out that last season was a challenging one for Liverpool as a whole, and it was not just Gravenberch who struggled. “It’s easy to single out one player when the team isn’t performing, but context matters. Gravenberch was adapting to a new system, a new country, and new expectations,” Lynch noted. This perspective offers a more balanced view of the player’s development trajectory and highlights the importance of patience.

Why Gravenberch Could Thrive at Liverpool

The podcast discussion concluded on a positive note, with Lynch expressing optimism about Gravenberch’s future at Liverpool. He believes that with the right coaching and a defined role, Gravenberch could become a key player for Slot’s side. “He’s got all the tools to succeed. What he needs now is consistency in his role and the confidence that comes with it,” Lynch concluded.

This confidence in Gravenberch’s potential reflects a broader belief that Liverpool’s recruitment strategy, though sometimes questioned, has a clear long-term vision. Gravenberch may not be the finished article yet, but under Slot’s guidance, he could well become the solution to Liverpool’s number 6 dilemma.