Ryan Gravenberch has a good chance of returning to action for Liverpool in their upcoming game against Aston Villa.
Gravenberch has been out of action for Liverpool for a couple of weeks now after he injured his ankle in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Since Slot chose to include him in his starting XI last season, the midfielder has quickly become one of the best in the world in his position, with the Reds massively missing him.
Ryan Gravenberch wipes his face during Galatasaray game
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Although his return won’t solve all of the Reds’ issues overnight, it should certainly help bring more stability to the pitch for the Anfield outfit.
Ryan Gravenberch is far more important to Liverpool than most people realised
When Jurgen Klopp was the man at the helm, Liverpool were struggling to find a permanent defensive midfielder.
In the past, Liverpool have tried to sign Moises Caicedo and even Adam Wharton.
Martin Zubimendi’s name was also thrown into the mix when Slot took over, but in the end, none of those moves came to fruition.
At the time, most fans thought this would be the end of the line for Liverpool’s dominance, but, since Gravenberch stepped up to the plate and became one of the best in the world, they didn’t end up needing any of them.
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And now, while speaking to Sky Sports after their game against Crystal Palace, Slot shared an update on the expected return of the midfielder.
“I think Ryan Gravenberch has a good chance [to play against Aston Villa]. The other ones [who are out], let’s wait and see, but Ryan has the best chance.”
Ryan Gravenberch needs to help Liverpool’s defence become more solid
One recurring problem within Liverpool’s first-team squad at the moment is the lack of form that their back line is in.
None of Liverpool’s defenders are performing to the standards expected of them, and even though Slot’s team was mostly youngsters against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the senior players who were on the pitch should have done better.
The fact that some of the Reds’ defenders aren’t playing well doesn’t mean that they aren’t trying to get back to their best.
Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson were both trying to keep Oliver Glasner’s men out, but, as has been the case several times already this season, the former of the two couldn’t keep his head and ended up getting yellow-carded.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool reacts after clashing heads with Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace (not pictured) during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Once Gravenberch does eventually return, his performance levels should help bring the Reds’ defensive performance up a notch or two and perhaps even help them become more solid.
Although we’re only in October, unless Slot figures out a way to solve the Reds’ issues soon, Liverpool’s season could be over before it’s even started.