“Worth the Wait” – Journalist Heaps Praise on Liverpool Star After ‘Eye-Catching’ Start to the Season | OneFootball

Unveiling Liverpool’s Surprise Midfield Maestro: Ryan Gravenberch’s Ascension

There’s a certain irony to Ryan Gravenberch’s journey at Liverpool, which initially left fans with mixed feelings. Upon his arrival, had Gravenberch been positioned as a holding midfielder, perhaps expectations would have aligned better with his evolving role on the field. Instead, his introduction as a more advanced midfielder led to a season of adjustment and competition with teammates Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai. David Lynch on his Substack captures the initial misalignment: “Gravenberch’s performances as a No.8 – occasionally eye-catching but lacking in physicality – did not exactly scream for him to be thrown into the deeper role.”

Photo: IMAGO

Defensive Mettle and Midfield Mastery

However, the winds of change this season have revealed a new chapter for Gravenberch, placing him as a standout performer in a deeper midfield role. Despite initial scepticism following a summer that didn’t secure Martin Zubimendi as a direct replacement, Gravenberch has excelled, challenging our preconceptions. According to Lynch, Gravenberch now leads Liverpool in tackles and interceptions, outperforming his teammates significantly with a combined tally of 15. His robust defensive metrics, including ranking fifth in the Premier League for interceptions and eighth for tackling dribblers, underscore a remarkable adaptation to his new role.

The Art of Balance: Tactical Flexibility

One of the key elements to Gravenberch’s success in his new role is how it harmonizes his defensive duties with his innate talent for driving forward. His ability to transition play, marked by 127 carries this season, showcases his dynamic ability to influence the game not just defensively but in propelling Liverpool’s attack forward. Lynch highlights a critical observation: “A look at Gravenberch’s season heatmap shows a midfielder who, thanks to Mac Allister’s presence alongside him, still has licence to use his rare dribbling skills to get the ball forward rather than simply passing it.”

Photo: IMAGO

Proving His Worth Against Premier Challenges

While the sample size of games this season is modest, the early indications are promising for Gravenberch’s sustained impact. Even in high-stakes matches, like the recent showdown at Old Trafford, his contributions were pivotal. Lynch notes, “And two of those came in key moments at Old Trafford on Sunday, leading to that disallowed Trent Alexander-Arnold goal and then, moments later, the opener from Diaz.” These moments are turning points that not only define matches but can shape a player’s trajectory at a club.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As a staunch supporter of Liverpool, it’s thrilling to witness Ryan Gravenberch rise as the unexpected hero in our midfield. Twelve months might have passed since we all dreamt of a new midfield anchor, but Gravenberch’s recent showcases suggest that the wait was worth it. His adaptability and growth under Slot’s guidance illuminate a path forward that perhaps we didn’t anticipate but are now eager to support. The blend of his defensive diligence and offensive incursions creates a midfield dynamism that Liverpool has been craving. As we edge closer to the January transfer window, our gaze may still linger on potential signings, yet there’s a burgeoning confidence in Gravenberch’s role as a pivotal figure in Slot’s strategic ensemble. The future looks promising, and with Gravenberch at the helm of our midfield, our ambitions remain as lofty as ever.