Analysis: Liverpool Must be Careful with the Fitness of This ‘Crucial’ Star | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch: Analysing His Impact on Liverpool’s Midfield

Liverpool’s midfield overhaul has been one of the key narratives of the season, with Ryan Gravenberch emerging as a pivotal figure in Arne Slot’s system. On a recent episode of Transfer Market Metrics from Anfield Index, host Dave Davis and data analyst Dr Phil Barts broke down the Dutchman’s performances and highlighted the strengths, challenges, and opportunities in his role.

A Breakout Season for Ryan Gravenberch

After a limited role at Bayern Munich, Gravenberch arrived at Liverpool looking to fulfil the promise he showed at Ajax. It’s safe to say he’s thriving, as Dr Barts noted:

“Gravenberch has smashed his career-high minutes this season, becoming a crucial part of the midfield.”

His performances have drawn attention not only for their consistency but also for how quickly he’s adapted to a demanding role. Slot has deployed him primarily as a number six, a position requiring discipline and defensive acumen.

Defensive Metrics: Learning the Role

Gravenberch’s defensive work has been one of the season’s surprises. Barts highlighted his development:

“His ground duel rate has increased dramatically. Against Aston Villa, he faced 8.55% of their Expected Possession Value (EPV) and stopped 99% of it.”

This demonstrates his growing ability to disrupt opposition attacks, a skill critical in high-stakes matches. However, his defensive positioning still shows room for improvement:

“He’s an eight learning to play as a six, and he’s only 14 games into that journey. There’s bound to be moments where his positioning isn’t perfect.”

Barts suggested that while Gravenberch has exceeded expectations, Liverpool’s midfield depth could benefit from reinforcements to reduce the risk of over-reliance.

Photo: IMAGO

Progressive Play: A Unique Strength

One area where Gravenberch excels is his ability to carry the ball forward. Unlike some of his peers, who rely on passing to break lines, he’s made a habit of advancing through opposition midfields with his dribbling:

“Gravenberch’s progressive carries and that body swerve of his have been a game-changer. It’s something neither Tchouaméni nor Zubimendi would bring to Liverpool.”

This dynamism adds a new dimension to Liverpool’s midfield, complementing the passing ability of Alexis Mac Allister and the creativity of Dominik Szoboszlai. Davis remarked:

“Everyone loves the way he turns and progresses play. It’s become a hallmark of his style.”

Managing the Workload

One of the key concerns raised on the podcast was Gravenberch’s workload. With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, he’s already well on his way to surpassing his career-high minutes for a season. Barts expressed caution:

“The concern isn’t just the total minutes—it’s the fact that he’s coming off two seasons where he didn’t play much. It’s a massive increase in workload.”

This underscores the need for squad rotation and perhaps a new addition in January. Davis and Barts agreed that adding another midfielder could provide much-needed relief and preserve Gravenberch’s fitness for the long term.

Conclusion

Ryan Gravenberch’s performances for Liverpool have been nothing short of remarkable. His defensive contributions, progressive carries, and growing understanding of the number six role make him one of the most exciting players in the squad. As Dr Barts summarised:

“He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations. Yes, there’s still growth needed, but he’s only 14 games into playing as a six.”

While Liverpool may need reinforcements to ensure Gravenberch’s continued development and fitness, his impact this season has already justified the club’s faith in him. As Liverpool push for silverware, Gravenberch will undoubtedly remain a key piece of the puzzle.