Liverpool have been the most dominant team in the Premier League by a fair distance this season, with Arne Slot delivering the title at the first time of asking.
Many expected Liverpool to be stuck in a rut after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but instead, the Reds have got right back to it and put their heart and soul into winning the Premier League title.
Career-best seasons from players such as Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister have no doubt helped them along their way, but in reality, a lot of it is down to Slot’s tactics and the way he’s chosen to set his team up.
So, it isn’t all that much of a surprise to see John Obi-Mikel name Ryan Gravenberch in his Team of the Season.
Ryan Gravenberch makes John Obi-Mikel’s Premier League Team of the Season
Gravenberch is one of the many Liverpool players to have performed to an extremely high standard this term.
Granted, he wasn’t Slot’s first choice for a defensive midfielder, but after the deal for Martin Zubimendi fell through, the Liverpool manager was left with no other option.
And, even though missing out on Zubimendi was crushing for Liverpool and their fans at the time, it’s turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Obi-Mikel gave his verdict on Gravenberch’s performances this season.
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“So for me, partner who’s going to partner Caicedo, I have to go with Gravenberch as well. Liverpool, I think he’s had a great season. A player that didn’t get a kick under Jürgen Klopp. Sometimes that demoralises a player,” Obi-Mikel said.
“That knocks a lot of confidence out of the player. But Slot has come in and said, listen, I am not going to go out. Yes, they did want to bring Zubimendi.
“Didn’t get him. But then the man was like, okay, you know what? I’m going to work with what I have. And Gravenberch, you’re going to be that guy. You’re going to be my man. And he’s taking up that responsibility and be like, you know what? I’m going to show you that you don’t need anyone else.
“I’m going to be that guy. And he’s done that fantastic season. He’s had Gravenberch, you know, the way he runs with the ball, the way he has the legs, doesn’t he? When you talk about midfield players, he has the legs to go forward and back. He’s always there protecting the back. So for me, those two, Caicedo and Gravenberch.”
Liverpool could struggle to find room for all their midfielders next season
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Liverpool’s midfield has been one of the strongest areas of their team.
The trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister has set the Premier League alight this term, but with Florian Wirtz now on his way to Anfield, it could be hard for all four of them to start the games.
Szoboszlai is the one who’s likely to be most affected by the arrival of the German due to them both playing in similar positions.
Player Games Goals Assists
Florian Wirtz 45 16 15
Dominik Szoboszlai 49 8 9
However, as has been the case for the last few years, every Champions League-worthy side have always got two or three players that can play in the same position to ensure that quality isn’t lacking when players are rested.
At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess how the 2025-26 season is going to turn out, but with the way the transfer window has started, things seem to be on the up in L4.