We don’t have to cast our minds back too far to recall when Ryan Gravenberch was a rotational player in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. Now, with the appointment of Arne Slot, the dynamic midfielder’s role has grown in importance.
The 22-year-old has adopted a deeper position, working in a double pivot with Argentine Alexis Mac Allister, also known as the ‘number six’ role.
The failed pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has allowed the Dutch midfielder to excel as Slot’s midfield anchor.
According to DataMB, Gravenberch has put up exceptional numbers so far this campaign, including winning 96% of his duels, compared to 7.6% last season.
Slot’s style of play also comes through in the data. Last season the percentage of forward passes the midfielder made was 77.5% but that number has dropped by 5% this season.
This highlights how the new head coach likes to have more control over the game, compared to Jurgen Klopp’s fast transition-based football.
Still thinking about this tbh pic.twitter.com/JIHPyuPeQw
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) October 3, 2024
Gravenberch has also clocked up half of his minutes already this season (594) than his total from last year (1280) demonstrating how comfortable the ex-Bayern Munich man is in Liverpool’s new system.
It is important to keep in mind that this season’s sample size is small, but the stats are overwhelmingly positive.
Arne Slot will certainly hope his midfield maestro can keep up this form.
