Is Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool’s Solution at No. 6?
Ryan Gravenberch has quickly emerged as one of the standout performers for Liverpool in the early stages of the 2024-25 Premier League season. His rise to prominence under new manager Arne Slot has been nothing short of remarkable, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his role just a few months ago. As Gregg Evans of The Athletic reports, Gravenberch’s performances have sparked discussions about whether he could be the long-term answer to Liverpool’s No. 6 debate.
Gravenberch’s Transformation Under Slot
When Liverpool signed Gravenberch from Bayern Munich last summer, there were high hopes for the young Dutchman. However, his first season at Anfield was underwhelming, as he struggled to find his best position and adapt to the rigours of Premier League football. Fast forward to the start of the current season, and it appears that Gravenberch is finally finding his feet in a deep-lying midfield role.
As Evans notes, “Gravenberch looks at home in the deep-lying midfield role in Slot’s system.” This observation is supported by Gravenberch’s performances against Ipswich Town and Brentford, where he displayed calmness and composure on the ball that Liverpool had been missing. His ability to play out of tight spaces, coupled with his quick decision-making, has made him a crucial cog in Slot’s possession-based approach.
The Tactical Evolution of Liverpool’s Midfield
One of the most intriguing aspects of Gravenberch’s role under Slot is how it differs from the traditional No. 6 position. Unlike the gritty, hard-tackling midfielders of old, Gravenberch is more about controlling the tempo and leading Liverpool’s build-up play. Evans points out that Slot isn’t looking for a classic ball-winner but rather someone who can orchestrate from deep, a role that Gravenberch seems tailor-made for.
In Liverpool’s recent 2-0 victory over Brentford, Gravenberch’s influence was clear. He completed the most passes (72) and also contributed defensively, making three tackles and nine recoveries. “Liverpool completed 92 per cent of passes against Brentford — a 20-year Premier League record for the club,” Evans writes, underlining the significance of Gravenberch’s role in the team’s new playing style.
The Challenges Ahead
While the early signs are promising, there are still questions about whether Gravenberch can sustain this level of performance against tougher opposition. Liverpool have yet to face the likes of Manchester City or Arsenal this season, and it is in these high-pressure games where the true test of a No. 6’s quality will be evident.
Evans reminds us that “Liverpool haven’t faced that level of resistance from high-level opponents yet, so Gravenberch, as good as he has been, needs longer in the position before he can be properly judged.” This is a crucial point, as the No. 6 role is one of the most demanding in modern football, requiring not just technical ability but also tactical awareness and physical resilience.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
The emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a potential long-term solution at No. 6 is both exciting and reassuring. After missing out on big-name targets like Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi, there was a genuine concern about who would fill the void left by Fabinho. Gravenberch’s performances have gone a long way in alleviating those fears, showing that sometimes the answer can come from within.
However, there is also a sense of caution. The Premier League is unforgiving, and the true measure of Gravenberch’s suitability for the role will come when he faces the very best. Matches against teams like Manchester City and Arsenal will be the real litmus test for whether he can anchor Liverpool’s midfield over the course of a season.
For now, though, Liverpool supporters should be optimistic. Gravenberch’s skill set aligns well with Slot’s vision for the team, and his early performances suggest that he could be a key player in Liverpool’s quest for silverware this season. If he continues to develop and adapt, there’s every reason to believe that Gravenberch could be the answer to Liverpool’s No. 6 conundrum.
