During the most recent transfer season, Liverpool prioritised securing a fresh centre midfielder to reinforce their squad. Following a number of significant departures, the dynamic at the heart of team had been remodeled the previous year with signings such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch. However, it still seemed as if the midfield unit was incomplete.
The Reds attempted to fill this perceived gap by courting Martín Zubimendi, but his unwillingness to trade the sunny beaches of San Sebastián for Merseyside was a setback for Liverpool. However, many were unaware that the solution to the midfield quandary was already present within the team’s ranks.
Upon his introduction last season, Mac Allister took on the role of the most defensively minded midfielder in Jürgen Klopp’s preferred 4-3-3 formation, at least until Endo found his footing. Since then, Arne Slot has shifted the tactics to a 4-2-3-1 formation, a strategy he found favourable during his tenure at Feyenoord.
The objective was to couple Mac Allister with a typical defensive midfielder to allow the Argentinian to link the two layers of midfield more effectively, a structure in which he prospered previously during his tenure at Brighton. Evidently, based on the early games of this season, it appears that Slot already had the answer to this quandary.
Following his transfer from Bayern Munich, Gravenberch only had limited game time under Klopp in the previous season, starting just 12 league matches in his inaugural campaign at Anfield. Due to his eleventh-hour move from the Bundesliga, some initially deemed him as an impulsive purchase meant to supplement the midfield department.
However, Gravenberch’s immediate influence this season at the core of midfield has backed Liverpool’s perfect start, boasting three consecutive clean sheets. This has lessened the desire for Zubimendi among the fans. Following the first three matches, Gravenberch leads in tackles (eight) and interceptions (seven), and ranks second for total passes (176) amongst all Liverpool players. The young Dutchman has also won more duels on the pitch (15) than any other Liverpool player.
Playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation isn’t a foreign idea to Gravenberch, having demonstrated his skills in a dual pivot role at Ajax under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. That said, he used to do it alongside a midfielder adept in winning the ball, Edson Álvarez. Gravenberch now takes on the responsibility of guard the defence and initiating play once possession is regained, a task he is carrying out commendably.
In a match against Manchester United, Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory, although they could have triumphed with a larger margin. In this match, Gravenberch’s performance was dominant. With a demanding schedule upon the return of the Champions League — now with two additional league stage matches — Liverpool might look to reinforce the line-up to release some of the strain on Gravenberch and Mac Allister.
After enduring some periods of self-doubt at Bayern and a shaky introductory season at Anfield, Gravenberch has been instrumental in Liverpool’s electrifying start under the ex-Feyenoord manager.
Slot offered a positive assessment of Gravenberch as Liverpool’s number 6 prior to their season opener against Ipswich last month. “His skills in that position do need to develop further, that’s certain, but his comfort with the ball, ability to run and keep going are impressive,” he said. At the age of 22, he has ample time to enhance his skills. His outstanding performances in the victories over Ipswich, Brentford, and United have shown promise, making many believe he could be the courageous midfielder Liverpool has been longing for. – Guardian