Liverpool’s Champions League dreams came to an end on Tuesday night.
The Reds were knocked out of Europe’s biggest competition at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain after the Ligue 1 leaders convincingly outplayed the Reds over the two legs.
Paul Merson believes the defeat hands Newcastle an advantage over Liverpool heading into this weekend’s Carabao Cup final and Arne Slot will have concerns related to his squad.
The Dutch coach saw Trent Alexander-Arnold go off injured against PSG, while the form of Diogo Jota is a concern as the Reds prepare to head to Wembley.
The Portuguese forward is not the only star not playing at his best level at present and Ryan Gravenberch’s display against PSG was evidence of that.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Ryan Gravenberch’s form has dipped at Liverpool
Heading into the 2024/25 campaign Liverpool were on the lookout for a new number six and in their search led them to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who would turn the Reds down in the end.
Missing out on the Spaniard proved to be a blessing in disguise as Slot would turn Gravenberch’s career around at Liverpool, converting the Dutch star into a number six.
The 22-year-old has been sensational for the Premier League leaders across the 40 games he has featured in this season and has received praise from many pundits and fans for his development.
Games 29
Goals 0
Assists 2
Minutes 2478
Pass accuracy 89.3%
Chances created 23
Tackles won 28
Duels won 137
Interceptions 50
Recoveries 152
Ryan Gravenberch’s 24/25 Premier League stats
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Rafael Benitez labelled Gravenberch as ‘crucial’ to Liverpool’s success this season and his performances may have cemented him as the Merseyside club’s number six for many years to come.
However, in recent weeks the Dutch star has slowed down and that was evident again on Tuesday night against PSG as the Ligue 1 side’s midfield caused the 22-year-old plenty of problems.
Having played 3442 minutes this season for Slot, it has become clear that this is affecting the midfielder as the Netherlands international looks tired.
Craig Burley has stated that Gravenberch is one of four Liverpool stars who have not been the same players as they were six weeks ago and in the Dutch star’s case, fingers can be pointed at the board.
Liverpool board have let down Ryan Gravenberch
Wataru Endo is the man tasked with supporting Gravenberch at Liverpool this season and although Slot has praised the Japanese star on several occasions, the Dutch coach doesn’t seem to trust the 32-year-old.
Therefore, Slot needed a new number six in January to support Gravenberch, and although many other positions could wait until this summer, this role could not and it is now having an effect on the season.
The board have not let Slot down massively here, however, it was an issue that was easily preventable and Gravenberch would have certainly appreciated the support heading into this crucial phase of the season.
Slot will be hoping that the 22-year-old’s form gets back to the levels it was at earlier in the season, as there was talk of the Dutch star being in contention for Liverpool’s Player of the Year.