Why Ryan Gravenberch is Crucial to Liverpool’s Defensive Structure | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch’s Return Key to Liverpool’s Balance

Defensive concerns under Slot

Liverpool’s start to the new season has been accompanied by questions over their defensive solidity. Four goals conceded across the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth have raised eyebrows. Arne Slot, though, has remained calm, insisting his side simply need to find the right “balance” rather than overhaul their approach.

As The Athletic highlighted, this is not a brand-new issue. Since sealing the Premier League title in April, Liverpool have conceded in every competitive fixture, as well as all their pre-season games. Yet the absence of Ryan Gravenberch from the recent line-ups may hold the key to the problem.

Influence of Gravenberch

The Dutch midfielder has quickly grown into a pivotal figure for Slot’s Liverpool. “The 23-year-old has mastered the art of combining defence with attack. The way he offers protection to the back line by tracking runners from midfield, covering both the full-backs and the centre-backs, while also providing a safe out-ball option, was perhaps undervalued in last season’s title win, largely because he was never missing for an extended period.”

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch was unavailable for both the Community Shield and the Bournemouth match due to suspension, having missed the previous Chelsea defeat through family reasons. Virgil van Dijk was quick to highlight the impact of his absence, saying: “It needs time, that’s absolutely normal, but we also played without our No 6, Ryan Gravenberch. We conceded two goals in a transition moment where we have to do better. That’s what we have to work on.”

Numbers that matter

The statistics underline why Slot values him so highly. Gravenberch made more interceptions (60) than any other Premier League midfielder last season and won possession 193 times, the most by any Liverpool player. He was also far harder to dribble past than Alexis Mac Allister, conceding just 24 successful take-ons compared with 49 against the Argentine.

Slot initially viewed Gravenberch as a No 8 but quickly realised his strength in a deeper role. By mid-season he had become undroppable, not only for his defensive contributions but also for his ability to release teammates into attacking positions. His positioning and energy gave Liverpool’s full-backs greater licence to push on and helped protect against counter-attacks.

Next steps for Slot

Gravenberch’s return for the clash with Newcastle United is timely. The challenge for Slot will be accommodating him without disrupting the attacking rhythm. With Mac Allister expected to start, one of Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo or Florian Wirtz may need to make way. The German’s £116 million fee makes him a difficult player to leave out, yet the balance of the side may depend on a bold tactical tweak.

Liverpool conceded two counter-attacking goals against Bournemouth and faced five fast breaks, a number only exceeded once all last season. With Gravenberch available, those gaps in transition should close, restoring the blend of resilience and creativity that delivered the title.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool supporters will know from last year that success was built not only on goals but also on the less glamorous work of their Dutch midfielder. With him back, the champions can look forward to greater stability.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Supporters will take comfort from the reminder that Liverpool’s defensive issues are not structural flaws but the temporary absence of Ryan Gravenberch. Fans saw how central he became to Slot’s midfield last season, a player who grew into the role of controller and shield in front of the back line.

The Athletic’s data shows exactly what many in the stands sensed. Gravenberch was the one making interceptions, winning the second balls and covering when full-backs surged forward. Without him, the midfield feels too open, and transitions hurt the team badly.

Liverpool followers are also mindful of history. Manchester City’s title challenge collapsed when Rodri was sidelined, underlining how vital a dominant holding midfielder is for elite sides. Gravenberch may not yet be discussed in the same breath, but his importance to Liverpool is similar.

Fans will expect Slot to find the right formula quickly, particularly with Wirtz now in the mix. While there may be some difficult choices ahead, the return of Gravenberch is a timely boost. Supporters will hope that with him anchoring the midfield, Liverpool can rediscover the defensive steel that turned last season’s good performances into a title-winning campaign.