Gravenberch’s Stats Soar Following Klopp’s Critique
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has shown a significant improvement in his performance following a critique from Jurgen Klopp. In Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal, Klopp was seen tearing into Gravenberch from the touchline. However, the Dutchman showcased a much better performance in his next outing.
Gravenberch was given a starting role in Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates at the beginning of February due to the absence of Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo. Unfortunately, he struggled during the match. Jamie Carragher criticized his off-ball work in the buildup to Bukayo Saka’s opening goal. Klopp was also visibly frustrated with Gravenberch throughout the game.
Despite Szoboszlai’s absence in the subsequent 3-1 win over Burnley, Klopp chose to keep Gravenberch on the bench. Instead, Harvey Elliott, James McConnell, and Bobby Clark were substituted in. However, due to an injury to Curtis Jones, Gravenberch was brought off the bench in Liverpool’s match against Brentford.
In this game, Gravenberch played for 57 minutes and showed a remarkable improvement in his statistics. According to FotMob, he won more duels than any other Liverpool player in the 4-1 victory, winning a total of six duels. Five of these were ground duels, and one was an aerial duel, with a success rate of 66.7 percent. In comparison, his success rate against Arsenal was only 44.4 percent.
Furthermore, according to FBref, Gravenberch made the joint-most tackles (three) and joint-most defensive actions (six) in any game this season. This is significant considering the criticism he received for his lack of defensive contribution against Arsenal, where he only made one defensive action. In the Brentford game, he also had his joint-most successful take-ons (two) and second-most progressive carries (two) of the season.
While fans may hope for a more tangible end product from a Liverpool midfielder, it is often their ability in and out of possession that is most important. Klopp’s frustration with Gravenberch in the defeat to Arsenal seemed to stem from a lack of application off the ball. However, the Dutchman clearly made improvements in his next outing.
With both Jones and Szoboszlai potentially unavailable for upcoming matches against Luton in the Premier League and Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, Gravenberch’s improved performance could not have come at a better time. His contribution in both attack and defense will be crucial for Liverpool as they look to secure victories in these important fixtures.