Arsenal legend Ian Wright hypes Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch for his ability to adapt quickly in the number six role. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot shifted Gravenberch to the number six position after failing to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Gravenberch used the opportunity to establish himself as the key first-team player at the club, delivering fantastic performances consistently. The Dutch international has continued his fine form at the international level during the September international break, earning big praise.
Liverpool signed Gravenberch under legendary Jurgen Klopp from Bayern Munich in the 2023 summer as part of a midfield revamp. The Dutchman struggled with nagging injuries and inconsistency in performance under Klopp in his last season as the Liverpool manager.
Gravenberch has joined his national side for the October international break after helping Liverpool continue their strong start this season. The Reds have won nine out of their first 10 games in all competitions under Slot under a new system.
The tactical changes helped Gravenberch play according to his strength as the number six, controlling the game for the Reds. The 22-year-old has made nine appearances in all competitions, displaying his importance and the change in fortune since last season.
Speaking on The Kelly & Wrighty Show, Wright highlighted Gravenberch’s incredible ability to adapt this season and dominate the midfield. He said:
“In the way that he has adapted to that position, these games have given him the confidence and he has now got the momentum where he’s outstanding. What we are seeing is that obviously against maybe that calibre of opposition, his true ability is coming out. But what he is doing to show us is fantastic. “The way he can dribble out of trouble, he can pass out of trouble, he can stop, he can break up possession and then he can progress the ball. These kinds of games will only give him confidence for the games to come.”
Gravenberch is proving to his naysayers why the Reds signed him and that he deserves the £150,000 per week wages. The 22-year-old needs to continue performing consistently after the October international break as Liverpool faces an incredibly tough schedule.
Many pundits have downplayed Liverpool’s form and highlighted that they have not played any top teams yet. While they have a valid point, Liverpool faces the toughest fixture out of any top Premier League team.
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Liverpool would have preferred playing the top Premier League rivals before rather than facing them alongside top Champions League clubs. They have to face the likes of Real Madrid and RB Leipzig while fighting Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
