LYNCH: ⁠⁠leave Gravenberch salah and VVD behind for PSV Game | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Rotation Strategy Ahead of PSV Clash: Gravenberch, Salah, and van Dijk Discussed

Liverpool’s upcoming fixture against PSV in the Champions League is set to test the squad’s depth as Arne Slot looks to rotate key players. On the Media Matters Podcast by Anfield Index, Dave Davis and David Lynch dissected Liverpool’s tactical approach, focusing on Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk.

Importance of Resting Key Players

Both Davis and Lynch stressed the importance of resting Liverpool’s most utilised players ahead of crucial fixtures. Davis explained, “Salah, Gravenberch, and van Dijk have played the most minutes this season. If any of them got an injury, you just couldn’t replace them.” He further emphasised the opportunity to rotate during the PSV game, saying, “Ideally, you don’t want Salah, Gravenberch, or van Dijk anywhere near this fixture.”

Lynch agreed, highlighting that Salah’s extended minutes against Ipswich in the FA Cup raised eyebrows. “Salah played quite a bit unnecessarily in that game, which makes me think he won’t travel for the PSV trip,” he said. Both contributors hoped this would signal an intent to rest key players, preserving them for more critical matches.

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch’s Role in Liverpool’s Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch has quickly established himself as a pivotal player since his arrival, but the podcast contributors discussed the need to manage his workload carefully. Davis noted, “Gravenberch has played a lot of football recently, and while he’s been excellent, these are the types of games where you give others a chance.”

Lynch echoed this sentiment, pointing to Liverpool’s fixture congestion and the opportunities it creates for squad players. “We need to see more of Endo and Elliott in games like this, which allows Gravenberch to rest and recover,” he said.

Photo: IMAGO

Despite the calls for rotation, both contributors acknowledged Gravenberch’s impact in stabilising Liverpool’s midfield, describing him as “a player who’s stepped up when Liverpool needed someone to control the tempo.”

van Dijk’s Leadership and Tactical Flexibility

Virgil van Dijk’s leadership remains crucial to Liverpool’s backline, but as Lynch pointed out, his minutes need to be carefully managed. “Van Dijk has been phenomenal this season, but he’s played so many minutes. Liverpool can’t afford to lose him, especially with the Champions League knockout stages approaching.”

The contributors also discussed van Dijk’s ability to marshal the defence, even in rotated line-ups. Lynch praised van Dijk’s adaptability, saying, “He’s a leader at the back, and even when the team changes around him, he’s the constant holding it together.”

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Expectations Against PSV

Liverpool’s trip to PSV presents an opportunity to rotate while still aiming to secure a positive result. Davis remarked, “PSV are no pushovers, but this is a game where Liverpool should be able to use the depth of their squad effectively.” He highlighted the importance of keeping the squad fresh, particularly for Salah, who has logged significant minutes in all competitions.

Lynch agreed, stating, “This fixture isn’t as critical as some others, and it’s the perfect time to give players like Kade Gordon or Endo a chance to shine while keeping the likes of Salah, Gravenberch, and van Dijk fresh.”

Conclusion

Liverpool’s strategic rotation ahead of the PSV clash will be pivotal in maintaining fitness and form for key players like Salah, Gravenberch, and van Dijk. As the Media Matters Podcast contributors emphasised, preserving the squad’s health during a demanding season is just as important as achieving results on the pitch.