Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Andoni Iraola called in the cavalry late on in Liverpool's Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur, but those late substitutes had mixed results, it must be said.
Dominik Szoboszlai, the man who sealed that 3-1 victory, certainly made an impression after rifling in an outrageous strike at the death, albeit with the introduction of the Hungarian and Ryan Gravenberch not exactly aiding matters in midfield.
Indeed, as has been the case in recent weeks, the Reds appeared to become overrun in the centre of the park in the final 20 minutes or so, thankful for an outrageous save from Giorgi Mamardashvili to deny Omar Marmoush.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Szoboszlai, as that world-class strike showcased, is at least offering something going forward still at present, but the form of Gravenberch is becoming of increasing concern at Anfield. Is it time to replace him?
Why Spurs win was another concerning night for Gravenberch
It's been a turbulent time of things for Gravenberch at Anfield, the Dutchman initially looking like something of a spare part under Jurgen Klopp, after signing from Bayern Munich in 2023.
Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Arne Slot
Repurposed into a number six role by Arne Slot, the ex-Ajax man was ultimately one of the revelations of 2024/25, a key driving force behind that dominant title triumph.
Things got a little trickier last time out, while he has started the new campaign slowly, with both he and Szoboszlai coming under the microscope following the dour draw against Fulham.
Having returned to the bench in the Carabao Cup, the 24-year-old didn't exactly flourish when entering the fray late on either, as Spurs wrestled back momentum.
Gravenberch did record a 100% pass accuracy rate, providing one key pass, yet he won just four of his seven attempted duels, and recorded only 22 touches in 28 minutes, a minimal return for a midfielder.
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It does feel as if he is still caught between wanting to be a more progressive, front-foot midfielder, yet also required to be the player to protect the defence in that deep-lying berth.
As Tuesday, and last Saturday, showcased, the Netherlands star isn't really delivering in either sense right now, having already found himself on the bench in two of the first four Premier League games of the season.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
His place among the substitutes in midweek perhaps suggests he will start again away at Iraola's former club Bournemouth, but with others taking their chance against the Lilywhites, Gravenberch is starting to look like he's on borrowed time on Merseyside.
Why Iraola's new Alex Scott can replace Gravenberch
There are narratives aplenty ahead of this weekend, with Iraola's return to the Vitality Stadium among them, the Spaniard having still not lost a league game since January.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola celebrates after the match
He was the architect behind Bournemouth's surge into the Europa League last term, wielding an exciting, aggressive and youthful side on the south coast.
Central to the Cherries' success has been Iraola's former midfield star, Alex Scott, the Englishman pulling the strings so effortlessly in front of the back four, such a graceful, balletic footballer to watch.
Reuters/John Sibley
There were even reports over the summer that a reunion with his former boss was on the cards for the in-demand Scott, although the Guernsey-born playmaker ultimately stayed put to remain a key figure under Marco Rose's watch.
The beauty of Scott's game is that despite not being a physical powerhouse, he's such an asset out of possession, mirroring his silky style with a combative, all-action quality.
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Iraola - Most Used Players at Bournemouth
Player
Tavernier
Christie
Semenyo
Cook
Kluivert
Senesi
Scott
Brooks
Zabarnyi
Smith
Perhaps, with Iraola's midfield at Anfield still looking a little creaky, the new boss could fashion his own version of Scott in the form of Trey Nyoni, the teenager looking like the perfect player to usurp Gravenberch's starting berth more consistently.
Still only 19, plenty of faith has been put in Nyoni this season, with FSG deciding not to invest in a new marquee midfielder, like Scott, despite that area having been a problem last term too.
Firmly ahead of Wataru Endo in the pecking order, the England youth star certainly took his opportunity with both hands against Roberto De Zerbi's men, putting in a truly composed performance in that number six berth.
Indeed, it was telling that things seemed to open up once the youthful duo of James McConnell and Nyoni had been replaced, the latter man having been particularly impressive up against Conor Gallagher and co.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Like Scott, his impact can at times go a little overlooked, but he is technically excellent like the Bournemouth dynamo, so composed and controlled on the ball.
In all, he boasted a 95% pass accuracy rate in his 62-minute outing, losing possession on just three occasions, with 22 of his 37 passes actually taking place in the opposition half.
As Iraola had with Scott previously, this is another youngster who always seeks to play forward, having racked up 13 ball carries, while Nyoni also thrived out of possession, winning four of his five total duels.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
There are high hopes for what the academy graduate can achieve at first-team level, and it's easy to see why, with the woes of Gravenberch and co set to present an opportunity for the teenager to nail down a more consistent starting berth moving forward.
Who knows, a changing of the guard in the midfield could spell the end for Gravenberch's time at the club in the near future.
Szoboszlai-Liverpool-Spurs