Gravenberch’s Growth at Liverpool: One Year On…
On the 1st September 2023, Liverpool completed the signing of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich in somewhat of a shock transfer deadline day move for a fee of around £34million. Exactly one year later and the 22-year-old was lighting up Old Trafford as Liverpool eased to a 3-0 victory against their fierce rivals Manchester United.
As impressive as Gravenberch has been so far under Arne Slot, the journey to this point hasn’t been straight forward for the young Dutchman across his 41 appearances so far for the Reds. But what has changed and what does the future hold for the midfielder?
Underwhelming Debut Season
Gravenberch often struggled in his first season on Merseyside with a lot of games passing him by. However, his natural talent and physical tools were clear to see, which perhaps made it all the more frustrating to many supporters. His first few appearances for the Reds were actually quite impressive, albeit against Europa League group stage opposition.
But after a few different injuries, the Dutchman struggled to maintain momentum throughout the season and by the end of Jurgen Klopp’s final season there were even rumours of a potential loan deal, with Galatasary and AC Milan mentioned as possible destinations for the 22-year-old.
Slot’s Arrival and Ryan’s Resurgence
As mentioned above, nobody ever doubted the talent that Gravenberch has and new head coach Arne Slot might just have the key to unleash it. The young midfielder has played every minute of Slot’s first three competitive games in charge – all ending in victory and still yet to concede a single goal.
In the first two games against Ipswich Town and Brentford Gravenberch was deployed as the deepest of a middle trio and looked much more comfortable on the ball. However, there were still a few occasions where he was losing the odd duel in crucial areas and little issues like that. However, against Manchester United everything seemed to click.
New Role at Old Trafford
The key difference in this one was that Gravenberch played slightly more advanced as a number eight, which is his natural position. Slot’s plan was clear – to press with high intensity onto Man United’s midfield pivot of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. The pace, strength and pressing abilities of both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were crucial and worked an absolute charm.
Defensively, he was an absolute monster. Gravenberch alone made the most interceptions in the game (4) and also won 100% of his tackles (2/2). The Dutchman also won seven duels, six ball recoveries and four interceptions, which is a huge improvement in an area of his game that was perhaps his biggest criticism throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
Looking Ahead
Not many would’ve expected Gravenberch to be one of the first names on the team sheet at the start of the season, but it’s now in his hands to nail that position down as his own. With a favourable run of games in the Premier League comping up, starting with a home clash against Nottingham Forest, the 22-year-old will definitely be fancying his chances of carrying on this impressive form.
