Liverpool's recent World Cup outing in Texas has sparked renewed interest in one of the club's most intriguing players: Ryan Gravenberch. While the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan may not have been a spectacle for the ages, it offered a compelling glimpse into the potential of Gravenberch, who has been a central figure in Liverpool's recent journey. The midfielder's performance, particularly in the second half, was a stark reminder of the talent that has been somewhat overlooked in recent times. This raises an important question: could this be the moment that Liverpool reconsiders its decision to part ways with Arne Slot, and instead, embraces the potential of Gravenberch under a new manager?
Gravenberch's journey at Liverpool has been a rollercoaster. Signed by Jurgen Klopp in 2023, he was one of four new arrivals in the midfield, a position that was already brimming with talent. While he showed glimpses of brilliance, his impact was often limited to the Europa League, where he could roam freely. The arrival of Arne Slot in the summer of 2024 marked a turning point for the young midfielder. Slot's decision to install Gravenberch as the deepest-lying midfielder was a bold move, one that paid dividends in the form of a Premier League title and a PFA Young Player of the Year award. However, as Liverpool's form dipped last season, Gravenberch's influence waned, and he became an easy target for opponents.
What makes Gravenberch's performance against Japan so intriguing is the contrast between his role in the Netherlands' midfield and his potential at Liverpool. In the Netherlands, he was free to roam and make an impact, joining attacks as a runner into the box. His cross for Virgil van Dijk's opener was pinpoint, and his pass to Crysencio Summerville before the West Ham man's fine second was simple, yet effective. This was a player who was not just a deep-lying midfielder but a creative force, capable of changing the game's momentum. In contrast, at Liverpool, he was often targeted and his lack of natural defensive instincts exposed. Pressing him had become a favored tactic for opponents, and he was too often on the fringes of the big matches.
The question now is whether Liverpool will reconsider its decision to part ways with Slot and instead, embrace the potential of Gravenberch under a new manager. Andoni Iraola's claim that every Reds player will be 'a new signing' to him is an intriguing one, and Gravenberch's performance against Japan could be the perfect example of what he is looking for. With his new long-term contract, Gravenberch has the opportunity to prove himself again, and this time, under a manager who might be more inclined to play to his strengths. The challenge for Iraola will be to find the right balance, either playing Gravenberch alongside a player who is happier to sit, like Frenkie de Jong, or a more physical one like Wataru Endo or Tyler Adams. Either approach will get Gravenberch higher up the pitch, impacting games more in the final, decisive areas.
In my opinion, the performance of Ryan Gravenberch against Japan is a compelling argument for Liverpool to reconsider its decision to part ways with Arne Slot. It is a reminder of the talent that has been somewhat overlooked in recent times, and a potential turning point for the young midfielder. As Liverpool embarks on a new chapter, Gravenberch could be the key to unlocking a new era of success, one that is built on the foundation of a player who is not just a deep-lying midfielder but a creative force, capable of changing the game's momentum. The future of Liverpool may well depend on the decision to embrace the potential of Gravenberch, and the wisdom of Andoni Iraola in recognizing his value.
