Ryan Gravenberch in action at Liverpool
Ryan Gravenberch in action at Liverpool
The Dutchman, 24, who was instrumental to the squad that won the Premier League back in 2024-25, has been unable to replicate his form from that campaign.
Gravenberch is not a typical number six, with the Reds' midfielder having a tendency to push forward, and an eye to play in more advanced positions.
Sitting deep is simply not in his natural game, with his now famous mazy dribbling runs in midfield proof of that.
Gravenberch has started just four games across the 10 Premier League matches so far.
And it seems hard to see where he now fits in under the Spanish manager this season.
Why Ryan Gravenberch faces a fight for Liverpool role
Competition in Liverpool's midfield is fiercer than it has been in recent years.
The performances of Alexis Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni have positioned them as possibly the Reds' most balanced midfield duo.
While Dominik Szoboszlai could still fit in at right-back, leaving Gravenberch with it all to do to regain his place.
Nyoni despite his young age has shown plenty of composure as a player who can dictate a game from deep, with an average of 90.9 per cent passing accuracy as per FotMob.
Per 90, he is averaging 2.81 interceptions per game, putting him in the 94.6th percentile among midfielders.
The Dutchman has not quite been as effective in possession, with only an 85.3 per cent accuracy, while his 1.83 interceptions are still a solid standing.
However, with Mac Allister's strong displays and Nyoni's ability to keep possession moving, Gravenberch will have to settle for a bench role.
Have Liverpool got contract priorities all wrong?
Gravenberch signed a new Liverpool deal back in March 2026, and there may be some lingering regret.
At the time, Arne Slot was manager, and the noise coming out of Liverpool was that he would remain in place for the following season.
A U-turn at the end of the season changed that stance, and the decision to award Gravenberch a new deal may have been rushed in hindsight.
The Reds should have waited until they saw how the squad had been built heading into the next season, irrespective of the manager.
However, at least it should allow him to retain a higher sell-on value should they ever seek a sale.