Ryan Gravenberch: Star on the rise, but is his Liverpool form sustainable? | OneFootball

Gravenberch: The New Liverpool Midfield Maestro, But How Long Can He Sustain It?

Liverpool fans have already seen the promise of Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutch sensation who has delivered eye-catching performances since his arrival. His start has been nothing short of impressive, backed by some staggering statistics. But with his initial success, two critical questions loom large for the Anfield faithful.

Firstly, how will fans react when Gravenberch experiences the inevitable dip in form that every player, even the best, encounters? And secondly, at what point can we say he has proven himself, that it’s not just a fast start but the consistency of a potential world-class midfielder?

Gravenberch’s Current Form is Jaw-Dropping

Looking at the statistical profile of Gravenberch is like gazing at the numbers of a seasoned veteran, not a young player making his first real waves in the Premier League. Compared to midfielders in the Big 5 Leagues, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League over the last 365 days, Gravenberch is ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in several crucial categories.

This is not merely a solid foundation; these are world-class indicators. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) per 90 minutes places him in the 90th percentile, a staggering mark for a player still finding his rhythm in a new league.

Additionally, his progressive carries per 90 minutes stands at an outstanding 95th percentile, reflecting his ability to drive the ball forward and penetrate opposition lines, something Liverpool fans have been craving in midfield for quite some time.

Photo: IMAGO

Moreover, his successful take-ons rank in the 94th percentile, showing he’s not only passing but dancing around defenders, causing havoc. He also makes touches in the attacking penalty area that place him in the 87th percentile, a key metric that shows he’s not afraid to push into advanced positions.

Liverpool fans should also note his consistency in defensive duties, with interceptions placing him in the 84th percentile, and his blocks ranking him in the 91st percentile. These are the kinds of stats that indicate a well-rounded player, ready to contribute across all phases of play.

However, all of these brilliant performances have been built on 1997 minutes of play. And while that’s a strong sample size, consistency over a full Premier League campaign is the real acid test. But does that mean we should already start worrying?

Handling Dip in Form

Let’s be honest: dips in form are inevitable for any player. The real question isn’t whether Gravenberch will experience a downturn, but how the fans and management will react when it happens. Just as a reminder, even the likes of Steven Gerrard or Xabi Alonso had off-days.

For Gravenberch, the challenge will come when he faces tougher fixtures, as opposition teams learn more about his style and weaknesses. That’s when his mettle will truly be tested. The media and fans, though, must keep perspective.

Just like we saw in the Nottingham Forest game, where Liverpool’s midfield toiled, there will be days when the system doesn’t suit or when Gravenberch’s energy dips. Will Liverpool fans be patient, or will they react like they often do when expectations soar too high?

Photo: IMAGO

How Many Games to Prove Consistency?

At what point can we say this is more than just a fast start? The simple answer: a full season. A string of 10-15 games in the Premier League might allow us to conclude that this isn’t just a honeymoon period for Gravenberch.

The truly world-class midfielders—your Kevin De Bruynes and Luka Modrics—set themselves apart with season-long, and even career-long, consistency. But if Gravenberch can maintain his current trajectory, there’s no reason to believe he can’t enter that conversation. Let’s stop short of joining just now.

The match against Wolves was a big acid test for Gravenberch. At a ground where Liverpool have often struggled, Gravenberch passed with flying colours. According to OptaJoe, he was the first Premier League midfielder since 2012 to contest more than five duels in a match with 100% success—he won all eight duels.

He also made three tackles, with 100% success, and completed 57 out of 62 passes with a 90%+ accuracy. These are the kinds of numbers that showcase a player in control, not just in one facet of the game but across the board.

New Midfield Hero, But Patience is Key

No one expected him to produce this and anyone who said they did is straight up lying. Liverpool fans are already basking in the glow of Gravenberch’s performances, and it’s easy to see why. He offers a blend of technical skill, power, and versatility that makes him a standout in this current Liverpool side. But as with all young players, the key to his success will be maintaining these performances over the long term.

So, as the excitement continues to grow around Gravenberch, Liverpool fans must balance enthusiasm with patience. He will have off days, and there will be matches where he looks human. But if he can continue this level of play over 15-20 games, then we might just be witnessing the rise of Liverpool’s next top-class midfielder. The potential is there—now, it’s all about consistency.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Ryan Gravenberch’s early performances for Liverpool have drawn significant attention, and his performance data further solidifies his potential. Analysing the numbers from Fbref, the Dutch midfielder showcases a well-rounded skill set across key metrics.

Impressive Attacking Metrics

Gravenberch excels in attacking contributions, evident from his 90th percentile non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and 79th percentile expected assisted goals (xAG). These stats underline his ability to not only get into scoring positions but also contribute creatively in the final third. His shot-creating actions sit at a commendable 77th percentile, a vital trait for a Liverpool side in need of midfielders who can impact play high up the pitch.

Midfield Progression and Possession Play

Perhaps most impressive is Gravenberch’s ball progression. He ranks in the 95th percentile for progressive carries and 94th percentile for successful take-ons, demonstrating his ability to break defensive lines and add dynamism to Liverpool’s midfield. His contribution in possession is solid as well, with an 82nd percentile for progressive passes and 89th percentile for touches in advanced areas, confirming his role as a key link between defence and attack.

Defensive Solidity

Defensively, Gravenberch provides an essential balance. His 91st percentile for blocks and 72nd percentile for clearances reflect a player capable of contributing in all phases of play. Though his 43rd percentile in tackles and interceptions (Tkl+Int) might seem less impressive, it could point to positional discipline or a focus on maintaining shape in a pressing system.

In summary, Ryan Gravenberch is proving to be a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s midfield, offering both attacking flair and defensive resilience. His performance stats suggest the foundations of a future world-class player, if consistency is maintained.