September 2nd 2024.
One player on Liverpool's roster has caught the attention of football legend Ian Wright this season. Wright is impressed with the performances of Ryan Gravenberch, a young player who has stepped up in a big way for the team. Wright believes that both Liverpool and their new manager, Arne Slot, have been pleasantly surprised by Gravenberch's skills on the field.
When Slot took over for previous manager Jurgen Klopp, he identified defensive midfield as a crucial area to improve upon. The club went after Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, but unfortunately, he chose to stay with his current team. Instead of seeking out other options, Liverpool decided to utilize their current players and placed Gravenberch in the deepest position in Slot's midfield three.
This was a bit of a change for Gravenberch, who had primarily played in a more forward role for his previous teams. However, he has proven to be adaptable and has excelled in his new defensive position in the Premier League this season. Wright was particularly impressed with his performance during Liverpool's recent 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
"He's not a natural No.6," Wright said on the Kelly and Wrighty show. "He's more of a No.8 who likes to push forward and score goals. But in that game, his defensive work was something that Liverpool would have been pleased with. It's clear that he's doing a great job in that role, whether they were surprised by his abilities or they saw it in training."
However, not everyone is convinced that Gravenberch is the long-term solution for Liverpool's midfield. Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes that while Gravenberch has been solid so far, the team should still look for a natural defensive midfielder if they want to compete for trophies.
"To win the Champions League and Premier League, you need a player like Rodri or someone at a top level," Hargreaves stated. "I played that position, and you can't win with a playmaker there. It has to be someone who can defend, break up plays, and make crucial tackles when needed."
Despite differing opinions, it's clear that Gravenberch has made a positive impact on Liverpool's midfield this season. His versatility and adaptability have been crucial for the team's success, and it remains to be seen if he will continue to excel in this role moving forward. As always, Liverpool will do what it takes to secure the best players for their squad, whether it's through new signings or utilizing their current talent.
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