Premier League legend David Moyes praised defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for making Liverpool tick against Bologna at Anfield on Wednesday. The Reds beat the Italian side 2-0 in the second Champions League game to continue their fine form this season.
Liverpool have won eight out of their first nine games in all competition under the new head coach Arne Slot. Slot deployed Gravenberch as a number six for this season after Liverpool failed to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Gravenberch struggled with nagging injuries and inconsistencies last season, showing only glimpses of his talent under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp. However, the 22-year-old has taken the current season by storm and has established himself as a key player for Liverpool.
The Dutch international played in the number six role at his childhood club Ajax but shifted to more advanced positions. At Bayern Munich, Gravenberch struggled to establish himself in their midfield as coaches struggled to understand his best midfield position.
However, Slot immediately returned the Dutchman to the number six position as his profile and Slot’s tactics complement each other. Slot wants a defensive midfielder who is capable of dictating the tempo and maintaining control of the space in deep.
Under Klopp’s direct tactics, Liverpool required a defensive midfielder capable of covering the big spaces and leaving buildup to others. However, Slot’s style maintains the structure of the team, leaving fewer spaces and allowing Gravenberch to play with his strengths.
Speaking in the Bologna match-day programme (via Liverpool World), Moyes highlighted the dominance of Gravenberch in the Reds’ midfield. He said:
“Lots of play went through him and he received the ball in good spaces and turned and played forward well. He also broke play up and showed athleticism to get back when required.
The 22-year-old needs to maintain a high level of consistency as the primary number six to fulfil his immense potential. Rest assured, Gravenberch’s early success story is a big win for Slot who is still adjusting to the new life.
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For a young midfielder already earning £150,000 per week, Gravenberch is proving that he is worth every penny. Liverpool play Crystal Palace next in the Premier League clash before the October international break and they need to maintain their winning form.
