When the Liverpool team news dropped for Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Brighton, there were one or two noteworthy surprises.
The first was in the goalkeeping position, where Arne Slot chose to retain Alisson Becker against expectations.
The other was the presence of Federico Chiesa in the starting XI, something we have not seen many times at all during his Liverpool career.
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Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
But, while those two decisions were where the eyes naturally went, Slot also made a quiet statement by resting the normally ever-present Ryan Gravenberch.
Gravenberch has once again been pivotal to Liverpool this season, following on from a show-stopping turn in the Reds’ Premier League title win last year. But despite his regular place in the starting XI, Gravenberch has struggled for consistency this season. As ever, a lack of rest has been an issue, but after leaving him out against Brighton, Slot hopefully signalled a pathway for the Dutchman’s return to form.
Ryan Gravenberch set to benefit from two weeks off
As Liverpool cruised to victory over Brighton, it was jarring to see Slot bring Hugo Ekitike on in the dying minutes of the game. The Frenchman has looked jaded recently and giving him a full rest might have been a better decision.
Thankfully, Slot made a better call with Gravenberch, leaving him on the bench for a rare watching brief.
Ryan Gravenberch pictured inside Anfield ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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At times it has not felt like it recently, but Gravenberch is the best ball-carrier in the Premier League, and having his legs fresh for the run-in is going to be vital in determining the outcome of Liverpool’s season.
The 23-year-old is simply too important to the team to be given Premier League or Champions League matches off, and so rest must be afforded whenever possible in the FA Cup.
With Liverpool now set for a full week’s break before their next game – against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground – Gravenberch will have no excuse not to be back firing on all cylinders once again.
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Mohamed Salah applauds Liverpool supporters after beating Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the FA Cup (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
He made other important decisions against Brighton, but not using his No. 38 may quietly have been Slot’s best call of a very good night.
Gravenberch must keep playing for Liverpool
Even in disappointing form, Gravenberch is still one of the first names on the teamsheet for Liverpool.
Nobody else in the squad can offer what he brings in midfield, and if the Reds are to win either the FA Cup or Champions League this season, he will be crucial to that.
At his best Gravenberch is one of the best midfielders in Europe, but he cannot show that if he is being run into the ground.
Handing him a night off every once in a while is going to be key to keeping him fresh, and in turn a big reason why Liverpool will have any kind of success in what remains of the campaign.
Saturday was a good start to that, the mission for Gravenberch is to now make sure it is capitalised upon.
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