Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool’s Surprising No. 6 and His Impressive Start
Liverpool fans may not have anticipated seeing Ryan Gravenberch as the team’s No. 6 this season, but the young Dutchman has embraced the role with the help of the club’s new assistant coach, John Heitinga. Gravenberch has quickly become one of the standout players under head coach Arne Slot, finding purpose and renewed confidence in his midfield position.
The pursuit of Martin Zubimendi may not have panned out as expected, but Liverpool’s staff has been encouraged by Gravenberch’s performances. According to a report from the Mail’s Lewis Steele, Gravenberch has been advised against watching clips of other No. 6s, a common practice for players. Instead, he has been urged to learn from Slot and the coaching staff, which is the best approach for molding him into a player that suits Liverpool’s system.
Gravenberch, a developing midfielder, has shown steady progression over the years. His relationship with assistant coach John Heitinga, with whom he previously worked at Ajax, has been instrumental in his development. Heitinga has led analysis sessions to teach Gravenberch what is required of him as the No. 6, and the early results have been promising.
In Liverpool’s three games so far, only Virgil van Dijk has attempted more passes than Gravenberch, with the midfielder completing 88.8 percent of his passes, according to Opta. Gravenberch has also attempted the second-most carries (qualified as moving at least five meters with the ball) on the team, trailing only Luis Diaz. Additionally, no player has followed a carry with a pass as frequently as Gravenberch, highlighting his ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch.
Head coach Arne Slot has been impressed by Gravenberch’s qualities, particularly his ability to run and arrive in duels. After the team’s 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, Slot commented on Gravenberch’s work rate and his effectiveness without the ball. Slot’s admiration for Gravenberch’s contributions suggests that the young midfielder is excelling in the role that Slot is molding him into.
It remains to be seen if Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national team coach, will reward Gravenberch’s impressive club form with international caps. Gravenberch was not called upon during the Euros, but his revival under Slot has caught the attention of Koeman. The coming weeks will reveal whether Gravenberch’s performances for Liverpool will earn him a place in the national team.
In conclusion, Ryan Gravenberch’s unexpected rise as Liverpool’s No. 6 has been a pleasant surprise for both fans and the coaching staff. With the guidance of assistant coach John Heitinga and the trust of head coach Arne Slot, Gravenberch has quickly adapted to his role and showcased his skills on the pitch. His passing accuracy and ability to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases make him a valuable asset for Liverpool. As he continues to develop and impress, Gravenberch may soon find himself in contention for international recognition.