Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have made a good start in the Premier League, inheriting the fast, vertical football of Jurgen Klopp’s regime, but adding elements of a style of play that breaks down opponents by turning the ball around.
They have also stabilised defensively with no goals conceded so far, and even though it is still early days, they are expected to finish high in the table due to their promising form. In a new position and role in the team, Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is showing signs of blossoming.
Last season he was a more attacking player, playing higher up the midfield as an inside-half, but this season he has converted to the bottom of midfield. He is expected to play low down to take part in the build-up, but also to nip the opposition’s attacks in the bud.
A potential rival for the 22-year-old midfielder in the same position was Real Sociedad’s Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Liverpool made every effort to acquire him this summer, but the player himself decided to stay.
Fabrizio Romano, an expert on the transfer market, noted that Liverpool still hold the player in high regard and suggested that the English club could make another move this winter or next summer.
“I have no idea at this moment; it’s too early. At the moment Liverpool are not even commenting on this, but what I’m sure about is that Liverpool didn’t want to negotiate for any other number 6 this summer because they believe that the perfect player for this position was Martin Zubimendi.”
“They are not going to sign any other player for the sake of it. If they invest in a player it’s because they are 100% convinced, so I’m sure that Martin Zubimendi will remain on Liverpool’s list. Whether it’s January or next summer or never, we will see. It will depend also on what Liverpool want to do. At the end of the day it was the player who decided to stay at Real Sociedad.”
“There are many factors before deciding if Liverpool will try again in January or not, but I can confirm that the appreciation is still there. They still believe that Zubimendi could be a perfect player for the tactical idea they have at the club, so let’s see. The appreciation remains.”
The Debrief podcast