Gravenberch’s Role in Arne Slot’s Liverpool: Defensive Midfield Dilemma | OneFootball

Gravenberch Not The Answer for Ruthless Arne Slot

I spent much of the week leading into Ipswich v Liverpool, overseeing implementation works to ensure the Portman Road conference room and media suite were ready for the Tractor Boys return to Premier League action.

Match Day one (in the English top tier) came just fourteen weeks after Kieron McKenna’s men had secured promotion from the Championship, allowing the completion of magnificent back-to-back promotions for the jubilant Suffolk fanbase.

The encounter itself was very much a game of two halves, as a confident and aggressive home side clattered into their prestigious and perhaps precious visitors in red. Much of that opening 45-minutes was peppered with indecision, as new season tactics swayed between two promising debutant coaches to the tip of the English pyramid.

Then, that second half transpired.

Which Players Impressed?

During the half time break, the Liverpool dressing room would have been witness to a ruthless streak from their new Head Coach, Arne Slot, as his withdrawal of Jarell Quansah became part of an order (to his players) to become more physical and win their individual duals. The nice guy persona was always something I thought to be a mask for a man determined and aggressive in demanding a level of play that mirrors his own vision.

The second half introduction of Ibrahima Konaté (for Quansah), allowed the front foot battles to be won with gusto, alongside an increased intensity from the group. I wonder whether it was always an ambition from the new boss to hook an asset at the break, to ensure his ruthless nature became apparent from the outset of his competitive reign.

The output of all the likely match winners rose exponentially, with Trent Alexander Arnold producing a superb period of playmaking and creation. Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota were ruthless, whereas Alexis Mac Allister controlled the middle ground.

The reds skipper, Virgil van Dijk, was a commanding presence for his side, one that enabled those ahead of him to express themselves. As the away sides domination paralleled with the fatigue of the hosts, the starting holding midfielder for Liverpool, Ryan Gravenberch, became more influential in his play and showed an endeavour to drive the ball forward from deep. This type of performance showcased the on-ball ability that has never been in question, while also raising the debate as to whether he could occupy the problematic six position.

Ryan Gravenberch – Defensive Midfield Option?

Against certain teams where Liverpool is ball dominant and able to flex their mesmerizing attacking patterns of play, the former Ajax star, Gravenberch, has the variety of attributes to look competent at the base of the central area.

Unfortunately, much like last season where the Argentine World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister, became overwhelmed against talented opposition, the defensive midfield position still requires a specialist that can both protect the rearguard, whilst adding an on-ball assurance to enable the wants of the new leadership.

It is absolutely a positive to see the Dutch international strive onwards m, thereby looking more adjusted to the demands of an elite enterprise within the Premier League, however, it is neither a long-term solution or a smart move to consider him anything more than an able-bodied option for the double pivot. Last season, I was too often frustrated by the lack of defensive acumen shown by the £35m signing, which makes me overjoyed to see him putting more effort into this first game of the campaign.

I have no agenda against the supremely gifted 22-year-old, I just have major doubts if he were to be thrown into the same role against a more talented opposition midfield.

The end of the transfer window is still nearly two weeks away; therefore, the immediate need must remain to secure a destroyer that can also add to the possession of the side.