Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has opened up on the changes he has made to his game this season after Arne Slot unlocked him in a deeper role at Anfield.
Gravenberch, who picked up the Premier League's Young Player of the Year award earlier this week, has been a revelation in his second season on Merseyside, transforming into one of the best players in the world in his position. He has become a key man in the Liverpool team, making the starting XI in 36 out of 37 games in the Premier League to date.
But while he had some experience of playing as a number six before moving to Liverpool, it was a surprising turn of events that saw him become such a star so quickly. Under Jurgen Klopp, he had struggled for meaningful game time.
"During a phone call in the first conversation I had with Arne, he said to me: 'I see you as a No.8 (central midfielder) but I want to try you as a No.6 (holding midfielder)'," Gravenberch told The Athletic.
"I played there against Manchester United in pre-season and after that game, he just put me there. I was like: 'OK, let’s do it'. From that moment, I only played as a No.6.
"I didn’t play a lot in that position before but this season, that position has made me who I am now. I am not naturally a defensive midfielder. I also like to drive forward with the ball. It’s been good so far."
Ryan Gravenberch and head coach Arne Slot of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024
Ryan Gravenberch and head coach Arne Slot of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024 (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
With Rodri absent through injury, Gravenberch has been the best holding midfielder in the Premier League this season. He is a key reason why the Reds will lift the league trophy today.
"It was not easy to be honest," he continued. "It might have looked it, but it was not. A lot of work, not only me, also the coach and the other players on the pitch. For example, Virgil van Dijk, who helped me adapt to this role.
"(Assistant coach) John Heitinga has been a really big help. At the club, you have mentors and he is my mentor.
"I knew him from my time at Ajax, so he also knew me well. I watched clips with him; I had conversations with him about the position.
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"The defensive part was maybe where there was a question mark. The attacking part was good but the defending part I had to learn in terms of the duels, sometimes not watching my man properly, but I made a lot of steps with that as well.
"I can still improve in goals and assists, and in demanding the ball more during a game. Sometimes in a game, there’s, like, five minutes when I don’t touch the ball. In that position, you have to make the play happen."
Liverpool.com says: Gravenberch has been a revelation this season. Missing out on Martin Zubimendi last summer didn't feel ideal at the time, but it has since proven to be a blessing in disguise.