Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch aims to improve even further in the defensive aspect amid an impressive start under Arne Slot. Gravenberch has played a pivotal role for Slot during his start of the tenure as the head coach at Liverpool.
Slot succeeded legendary manager Jurgen Klopp who signed Gravenberch as part of the midfield revamp in the summer of 2023. Gravenberch struggled with consistency due to nagging injuries and failure to find a specific role in midfield during last season.
Liverpool failed to sign a number six player who fits the profile that Slot desired as he changed tactical style. The Reds pursued Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but the Spanish international opted to stay loyal to his childhood club.
Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch believes that there is a lot of scope for improvement for him and his teammates.
Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch believes that there is a lot of scope for improvement for him and his teammates.
Slot moved Gravenberch to the number six position in a genius move which resurrected his career and immensely helped the club. The 22-year-old has dominated as the number six, playing in a double-pivot usually alongside Alexis Mac Allister this season.
Speaking to the media’s Q&A (via Liverpoolfc.com), Gravenberch highlighted the demand to improve for both him and his Liverpool teammates. He said:
“Yes, of course. I think everyone can still improve – so can I. It goes really well but maybe I can do a bit more in defending. I am really happy with the performances I now have and so I have to keep going.”
Liverpool have won 18 out of 21 games in all competitions, showing an impressive balance between the defence and offence. Gravenberch’s ability to dictate the tempo and maintain possession has played an important role for the Reds during this season.
Most interceptions in the Premier League this season:
28 – Ryan Gravenberch
28 – Kenny Tete
28 – Virgil van Dijk
Dutch Delight. pic.twitter.com/uHGsE8FTgG
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) December 8, 2024
The 22-year-old has appeared in 19 games with an assist to his name while earning five yellow cards. The Dutch international sits at the 95th percentile with his interceptions in the Premier League(1.75 per 90 minutes) and 76th percentile with ground duels won (5.53 per 90 minutes).
Liverpool won many games where they failed to reach the peak level of their performance which is also important. Winning the winnable games despite not reaching the best is what separates a top team from the eventual champions.
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Nevertheless, both the Reds and Gravenberch have a lot of room for improvement while maintaining their consistency. Fans would love the Dutchman’s awareness of continuing his progress and surpassing his present self which is already deserving of all the praise.