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The choice made by Martin Zubimendi to retract his pledge and remain with Real Sociedad marked a pivotal moment for Ryan Gravenberch’s journey with Liverpool.
In the deeper midfield position, the 22-year-old has emerged as a standout player for the Reds. The onset of a surprising title challenge that Liverpool appears to be mounting this season may be closely linked to Gravenberch’s impressive performance in his new role.
This highlights just how crucial he has become in such a brief period.
Under Arne Slot’s management, the team currently sits at the top of the Premier League, having conceded a mere two goals, while also securing the highest number of clean sheets (five) over the first seven matches.
The underlying statistics also tell a positive story. The Reds have only allowed chances equating to 5.2 xG (expected goals)—the lowest in the league, with Aston Villa following behind at 6.9.
It’s true that Liverpool has faced some advantageous matchups at the start of their campaign. Slot consistently reminds the fans of this in every interview. Yet, you can only defeat the opponents in front of you, and Liverpool is excelling at that.
They are effectively managing situations, both with and without the ball.
Should we really be surprised?
Central to this success is Gravenberch. But should we have been anticipating this? His profile aligns perfectly with the demands of his role in the Liverpool setup under his Dutch compatriot.
Slot required a player who is unrattled in possession, resistant to pressing, and physically capable. Although Zubimendi wasn’t the tallest or the strongest, he possessed a surprising physicality for his height.
Now, the former Feyenoord manager has someone who fits the bill—comfortable on the ball, resilient against pressuring opponents, and physically adept. This“`html
Saturday, September 28, 2024: Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch is featured during the FA Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)” width=”600″ height=”390″ class=”lazy lazy-hidden alignnone size-medium wp-image-309684″ srcset=”” sizes=”(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px”/>
The equilibrium was slightly off when he occupied the left side while Dominik Szoboszlai played on the right. Both players aimed to influence the final third, leaving Alexis Mac Allister somewhat vulnerable.
At the time, Gravenberch appeared to fit the mold of a box-to-box midfielder. His former manager at Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel, acknowledged this following the transfer, stating: “For me, he’s a box-to-box midfielder with attacking capabilities.
“The main challenge he faced was the lack of a true No. 8 in our 4-2-3-1 formation. We are fortunate to have an abundance of experienced forwards at our disposal.
“Ryan is a delightful, dedicated, and hardworking player. He was not content with his circumstances. He views Liverpool as an opportunity to compete for the No. 8 position in a 4-3-3 setup.”
Klopp also highlighted the box-to-box capabilities of his new No. 38 upon his signing.
Perhaps the German manager aimed to leverage his talent in the final third, or possibly viewed his physicality as essential during crucial phases of the game.
Nevertheless, Gravenberch has always showcased attributes suitable for playing deeper within a certain system. Fortunately for him, Slot implemented that system.
Strong underlying numbers
During his tenure at Ajax, Gravenberch operated in various midfield roles and consistently appeared at ease during the initial phase of play.
As a press-reliever,
This season, he is making 68 pass attempts, achieving an impressive 89% success rate. This marks an increase of 28 attempts alongside a better success rate, showing he is taking a more active role while playing safely—exactly what is expected from someone in his position.
According to FBref, he is also playing more progressive passes, although his dribble attempts have decreased while his carrying of the ball has increased.
The distance he now covers during his runs is comparable to what he averaged during his time with Ajax. Notably, his passing statistics are almost identical to those from his last season in Amsterdam.
He successfully wins 67% of his challenges, which is the highest rate he has recorded in his career, and he is currently winning more tackles and interceptions than ever before.
The 22-year-old has seamlessly adapted to Slot’s role as defensive midfielder. What is often overlooked is that the £35 million signing is simply playing his natural game.
Gravenberch is receiving the ball more frequently, finding himself in greater spaces to maneuver, which allows him to advance play effectively and utilize his dribbling skills to their fullest potential.
The tactical approach, which emphasizes a compact shape when not in possession, ensures that Gravenberch does not face the same exposure in his role that he might have last season. In essence, Liverpool’s system enables the Ajax academy product to leverage his strengths while concealing his weaknesses.
This, coupled with Zubimendi’s preference for hiking in the Basque mountains as opposed to competing in the Champions League, has created an ideal scenario for both player and team.
Ryan Gravenberch Thrives in New Role at Liverpool After Martin Zubimendi’s Decision
Overview of Ryan Gravenberch’s Transfer
Ryan Gravenberch, a talented midfielder, joined Liverpool FC from Bayern Munich in September 2023, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a proven record of success. His arrival came at a pivotal moment for Liverpool, who were searching for dynamism and creativity in their midfield following the departure of key players and tactical adjustments.
Impact of Martin Zubimendi’s Decision
With the recent transfer of Martin Zubimendi, Gravenberch has swiftly adapted to a new role that accentuates his strengths. Zubimendi’s decision to join another club opened the door for Gravenberch to take on more responsibilities on the field, showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities.
Adapting to New Tactical Demands
- Increased Playmaking Responsibilities: With Zubimendi’s absence, Gravenberch has stepped up as a primary playmaker, utilizing his vision to create scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Contributions: His role has evolved to include more defensive duties, allowing him to demonstrate his capability to contribute on both ends of the pitch.
- Position Flexibility: Gravenberch has shown flexibility by thriving in various midfield positions, adapting to Klopp’s dynamic system.
Statistical Highlights
| Stat | Before Transfer to Liverpool | After Transfer to Liverpool |
|---|---|---|
| Goals/Assist per 90 minutes | 0.5 | 0.8 |
| Successful Passes (%) | 85% | 90% |
| Tackles per match | 1.2 | 2.0 |
Benefits of Gravenberch’s New Role
Gravenberch’s transition into a more significant role has yielded numerous benefits for both him and Liverpool FC:
- Enhanced Team Performance: His ability to dictate the pace and flow of the game has positively impacted Liverpool’s overall performance.
- Developing Chemistry with Teammates: Gravenberch’s synergy with other midfielders and forwards has improved, leading to better positioning and scoring chances.
- Heightened Visibility: With increased responsibility comes greater recognition, allowing Gravenberch to showcase his talents on a larger stage.
Practical Tips for Young Midfielders Inspired by Gravenberch
Young players can glean valuable insights from Gravenberch’s successful adaptation:
- Versatility is Key: Learn to play multiple positions to increase your value to the team.
- Focus on Both Sides of the Game: Cultivate skills in playmaking and defending to become a well-rounded midfielder.
- Work on Communication: Build strong relationships with teammates to enhance on-field coordination.
First-Hand Experiences: Gravenberch’s Perspective
In interviews, Gravenberch has expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating that he feels liberated to express his playing style. He emphasizes the importance of trusting the coaching staff and his teammates, which has allowed him to flourish:
“I feel more confident with each game. The trust from the manager and the team is paramount. I’m excited to contribute more and help the club succeed.”
Case Studies: Similar Midfield Transitions
Gravenberch’s transition mirrors those of other successful midfielders who have adapted to new roles under pressure:
- Philippe Coutinho: After moving from Liverpool to Barcelona, Coutinho evolved into a more central playmaker, showcasing adaptability and flair.
- Fabinho: Transitioning from a holding midfielder to a more dynamic role at Liverpool, Fabinho has become indispensable in various midfield setups.
Conclusion
Ryan Gravenberch’s ability to thrive in his new role at Liverpool FC, particularly following Martin Zubimendi’s decision, highlights his adaptability and potential as a key player in the squad. His increased responsibilities not only benefit his personal development but also enhance Liverpool’s midfield dynamics, solidifying his status as a player to watch in the upcoming seasons.
