Ryan Gravenberch has been locked down to a new Liverpool contract, and it sounds like Arne Slot is ruling out a much-needed addition.
The news of the extension was welcomed by Liverpool fans everywhere, who have seen first-hand just how talented a midfielder the Dutchman is.
He is not, however, the long-term solution to the defensive midfield role.
Someone needs to tell that to Slot, who has suggested that Gravenberch negates the need to sign a #6 this summer.
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Arne Slot is wrong about Ryan Gravenberch’s Liverpool role
Exploding onto the scene last season, Gravenberch has nailed down the starting spot at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.
He starts almost every game for Liverpool, and is undoubtedly one of the side’s most important players. That’s despite a noticeable drop-off in performances compared to the title run of last term.
Discussing the announcement of Gravenberch’s new contract, Slot told ZiggoSport: “He is a really good player. And the reason he hardly misses a match is that he basically has the exclusive claim to this position.
Ryan Gravenberch pictured running with the ball during Liverpool's Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield.
Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images
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“About a year and a half ago, when I arrived, the club already thought we needed a defensive midfielder. And by ‘we,’ I mean the club, the management, everyone within the club.
“We then tried Ryan. It went so well and in the end, we couldn’t get the player we were initially trying to sign. So he stayed and kept playing. And because he did so well, there was no longer any need to bring someone else in for that position.”
No one will argue the quality of Liverpool’s current holding midfielder, but Gravenberch is limited in a defensive role.
The claim that Liverpool now don’t need to sign a six is concerning. Sure, Gravenberch can play there, but his profile is more akin to that of a number eight.
There are games in which Liverpool are overpowered in the middle of the park — where a Fabinho-esque player is clearly needed. Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are examples of the profile the Reds need.
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Declan Rice runs with the ball as Curtis Jones chases him during Liverpool's Premier League match against Arsenal at Anfield.
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Looking around the Premier League, it’s a position that all the top clubs have filled effectively. Arsenal with Martin Zubimendi and sometimes Declan Rice. Man City with Rodri. United with Casemiro. Chelsea with Moises Caicedo. Aston Villa with Boubacar Kamara.
Slot seems to be suggesting that no such signing will be made by Liverpool. If that’s the case, it would be a huge blunder on the part of FSG.
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