Ryan Gravenberch asserts the importance of playing with the mentality that helped 10-men Liverpool beat Newcastle United earlier this season
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch insisted that his team need to show a strong mentality once against Newcastle United. The Reds play the Magpies at Anfield in the first Premier League clash of the new year, 2024.
Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table but other clubs are too close in points tally. Liverpool beat Newcastle United earlier this season at St. James Park despite playing most of the game with 10 men.
The Reds captain Virgil van Dijk received a red card during their Premier League clash in August. Chaotic striker Darwin Nunez single-handled turned the game around from a 1-0 deficit with two fantastic goals.
The new Reds squad have shown a “never give up” mentality despite facing insurmountable odds at times. Liverpool’s only Premier League loss came against Tottenham Hotspur, filled with numerous controversies and biased decisions against the Reds.
Given the poor decisions against Spurs, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, Liverpool cannot take anything for granted. The consensus suggests that the Reds ought to have accumulated more points, yet they haven’t achieved this standing. The situation leaves no room for mistakes and demands consistency with the competition being so strong.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Gravenberch emphasised the need to continuously play with the similar mentality that helped them succeed so far. He said:
“I think every game here is a big test. Especially now, we are first in the league so there’s a little bit more pressure. Newcastle are a very good team so we have to prepare well and show them what we’re capable of. I think what we are doing now, showing [like] when we played them away, even with one man less, showing the mentality. I think that’s what we have show them now again; that we are there, that we go forward [and are] pushing.”
The Reds cannot afford complacency at this crucial stage of the season and need to take Newcastle seriously. Gravenberch has played a good role in Liverpool’s midfield, showing his qualities but he is still far from his best.
The 21-year-old signed for the Reds during the summer from Bayern Munich after struggling to impose his place there. At present, observers view Gravenberch as a rotational player among other midfield options, despite acknowledging his globally renowned talent.
The Dutchman has appeared in 22 matches in all competitions, contributing with two goals and two assists. Despite the room for development without unwanted pressure, Gravenberch needs to continue building on his performance.
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Gravenberch only criticism came during his cameo against Arsenal where he failed to impose himself, showing few vulnerabilities. Once he works upon that aspect of his game and becomes more consistent, he can be an incredible asset.
