Liverpool legend Jan Molby has praised Ryan Gravenberch for his performances as the defensive midfielder during the first three games. The Reds have head into the September international break after starting their new campaign perfectly with three Premier League victories.
They beat Manchester United 0-3 at Old Trafford, enjoying their third clean sheet while dominating the game in every phase. Liverpool are the only club in the Premier League who are yet to concede a goal this season.
The defence has displayed immense improvement compared to their last season’s woe under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. The Reds conceded many early goals last season and settled with chasing games due to poor concentration and massive games.
Klopp deployed Alexis Mac Allister as the make-shift number six due to the lack of any natural option in midfield. However, new head coach Arne Slot put Gravenberch in the position where he played during his time at Ajax.
Speaking on his Molby On The Spot podcast, the Liverpool legend praised Gravenberch for his “excellent” display against Man United. He said:
“I thought he had a bit of an easy ride in the first two games because of the way Ipswich Town and Brentford played. Against Manchester United, he was absolutely excellent.”
Slot’s style suits Gravenberch as the number six compared to the profile that Liverpool needed under Klopp. Klopp demanded constant forward movements in his heavy-metal pressing direct attacking and counter-attacking tactical style of play.
It leaves a lot of space in the channels and between the midfield and defence, requiring a defensively competent midfielder. Liverpool required the player of Fabinho’s profile under Klopp, someone who is mobile in recovery and capable of breaking attacks.
Whereas, Slot desires efficiency and calmness to maintain the organized structure allowing a different style of number six to thrive. Gravenberch fits that profile as someone with the physical and technical prowess to maintain his dominance and dictate the game.
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His teammates help the 22-year-old contribute defensively as Liverpool quickly reverts to a narrow structure, squeezing the opponent’s attack. Liverpool have Wataru Endo as the other defensive midfield option in situations where they have to counter an opposition team with better attacking qualities.
