Failing to make his breakthrough at FC Bayern, Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool FC in the summer – where new challenges await him.
During the great years under Jürgen Klopp, the three positions in Liverpool’s midfield were clearly assigned. Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson. None of this trio is here any more, and the upheaval in the centre of the team is in full swing at Anfield Road. Although not yet complete – the new midfield of Klopp’s “Liverpool 2.0” is just being found.
Currently there are two lines. Curtis Jones and the newcomers Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are allowed to play in the league, which smells like first-team and best-team. In Europa League and League Cup, Harvey Elliott as well as Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, like Szoboszlai Bundesliga commitments, were recently in the starting eleven.
Gravenberch, who had failed to make his mark in a year at FC Bayern, contributed an assist against both Linz and Leicester (both 3-1), so is currently bidding for promotion to the league ranks. His half-left position has so far been filled by Jones – possibly the regular spot most likely to wobble.
The top game against Tottenham could come too soon for Gravenberch
What the 21-year-old Dutchman still needs to get into the flesh for that to happen? “Counter-pressing is the main thing. It’s what the coach wants to instil in me,” Gravenberch revealed on Friday ahead of Saturday night’s visit to Tottenham. Second at fourth, top game. In such a match, who the coach trusts the most will start. Is it still too early for Gravenberch? “I still have to learn the system a bit.” Probably yes.
Gravenberch has only made two short appearances in the league against Wolverhampton and West Ham, but they were still enough for him to draw a comparison between the Premier League and the Bundesliga. “In England it is much more physical and also much more intense than where I came from,” Gravenberch said. “Especially for me because I didn’t play much last season. “
