LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ryan Gravenberch is aiming to step up as “more of a leader” at Liverpool as he starts his fourth season at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola yet to name a vice-captain.
Iraola will make a decision on Liverpool’s next vice-captain later in the summer, but has already emphasised the important of more leaders on the pitch.
Dominik Szoboszlai is considered the most likely candidate to replace Andy Robertson in the official role, but Alisson, Joe Gomez and Alexis Mac Allister are also viewed as contenders.
While Gravenberch may not be seen as in contention, the Dutchman appears to have already taken the head coach’s comments on board.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool substitutes (L-R) Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, April 25, 2026: Liverpool substitutes (L-R) Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Ryan Gravenberch on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I want to show myself this season more and more,” he told the club’s official website after arriving as Liverpool’s pre-season camp in Chicago.
“I want to be more of a leader now for the team, I think. So that’s what my aim is this season.”
By his own admission, last season was not Gravenberch’s best, with the midfielder adding: “I think we didn’t do a great job, so I think everyone has the feeling inside to show themselves and make it a better season this year.”
It makes this summer a crucial one as Liverpool look to adjust to a new setup under Iraola, removed from the slower, possession-based approach of Arne Slot.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) speaks to Federico Chiesa during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) speaks to Federico Chiesa during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Gravenberch continued.
“Just the principles that he has, with the intensity he plays, what he did with his former club – he did a really great job.
“So, I’m really excited [for] what he will bring to the team. I was really impressed [with his work at Bournemouth].
“I think they ended up behind us last season. With Bournemouth it’s a really great job.
“When we played against them it was always a tough game, so I think he did a really good job and hopefully he can do it here as well.”
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (L) and captain Virgil van Dijk give each other a high five during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (L) and captain Virgil van Dijk give each other a high five during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Though he only turned 24 in May, Gravenberch has already played 305 senior games for club and country, which makes him one of the most experienced players in Iraola’s squad.
Even if he is not a contender for the vice-captaincy, there will be an expectation around the likes of him and Milos Kerkez – the only player with prior knowledge of working under Iraola – to take up leadership roles within the squad.
That should begin in the United States, with Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak now all expected to gain their first minutes of pre-season in Wednesday night’s friendly against Wrexham.
holidays summer 2026
holidays summer 2026
Football – FA Premier League – Aston Villa FC v Liverpool FC
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Friday, May 15, 2026: Liverpool substitute Mohamed Salah during the pre-match warm-up for his final two games for the club before the FA Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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