Jurgen Klopp left Anfield and Arne Slot took over as Liverpool manager. In this change, the most affected player was the manager’s fellow countryman, Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
He has been converted from inside-half to defensive midfielder and is expected to be used more in a lower midfield position. He has lived up to expectations with an adequate performance from the start of the season, but who knows if he can continue to play well throughout the season.
Former Scotland defender Steve Nicol, who played for Liverpool during his playing days, does not have a good impression of the 22-year-old midfielder and is sceptical about his ability to fight through the tough Premier League.
“I don’t know if concerned is the right word,”
“I think it’s clear that they went for Zubimendi. That was the position they were looking to fill and they haven’t.”
“I don’t know if it’s a kind of false dawn that Gravenberch, who for me has done nothing since he has come to the club, he has had a couple of decent games, but it’s Ipswich and Brentford. That’s the problem. If they are taking a chance on that, then that’s where they can slip up between now and the next transfer window.”
Liverpool, who were in the market for a Spanish midfielder, remain interested in the defensive midfielder. They are scouting a number of midfielders and will target the right man at the right time, although it is less likely that they will acquire him this summer.
Meanwhile, can the Dutch midfielder overcome the bitter criticism of club alumni and transform himself into one of the best defensive midfielders in England’s top flight…?