Martin Zuvimendi’s decision to keep his word and remain at Real Sociedad was a defining moment in Ryan Gravenberg’s Liverpool career.
The 22-year-old has shown a fresh look in his midfield role for Manchester United. The start of a surprising title challenge that United appear to be heading into this season may have something to do with Gravenberch’s new role.
That’s how important that person has become in such a short period of time.
Arne Slot has his side top of the Premier League, conceding just two goals in the league and keeping the most clean sheets (five) in their opening seven games.
Even basic numbers paint a good picture. The Reds gave up a valuable opportunity. 5.2xG (Expected goals) – This is the best in the league and the next best player is Aston Villa (6.9).
Yes, the Reds had a favorable schedule to start the campaign. Slot makes an effort to remind fans of this in every interview. But you can only beat what’s in front of you, and Liverpool are doing just that. They are doing well too.
They are in control whether they have the ball or not.
Should we really be surprised?
At its core is Gravenberch. Should I really have been surprised though? His profile looks perfect for this role in his fellow Dutch Liverpool side.
The slot needed someone who was comfortable in possession, strong in pressure, and physical. Zubimendi was not the tallest or strongest man, but he was incredibly physical for a man of his stature.
The former Feyenoord manager now has someone who is good in possession, strong in pressing and physical. This is almost the exact opposite of how the Netherlands international was used last season.
Deployed mostly as a left-back under Jurgen Klopp, Gravenberch has been inconsistent and a bit lax in possession. But with Liverpool experimenting with an inverted full-back system, it was part and parcel of the role.
When he was on the left and Dominik Szoboszlai was on the right, the balance was a bit off. Both men wanted to make an impact in the final third, which left Alexis Mac Allister exposed.
But I think Gravenberch was considered that kind of midfielder at the time. Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said the following after selling the midfielder: “He is a box-to-box midfielder to me as a striker.
“His biggest problem is that we don’t have a number eight in our 4-2-3-1 system. And we have a lot of choice with really experienced players.
“Ryan is a very good, hard-working and dedicated player. He was not satisfied with his situation. He sees his chance to fight for eighth place at Liverpool in a 4-3-3 format.”
Upon arrival, Klopp stated that his new number 38 is a box-to-box player.
Perhaps the German tactician wanted to make the most of his abilities in the final third. Perhaps his physicality was seen as essential in the final stages.
But he always had the profile of someone who could work in the deeper realms of a particular system. Fortunately, Slot used that system.
strong base numbers
During his time at Ajax, he played in a variety of roles in midfield and always looked comfortable in the first stages of matches.
As a press reliever, he absorbs pressure and either beats the man or draws a foul. Several times this season he has been the player with the most fouls in a game.
It may sound like nothing, but he can take away the pain of a moment. He quickly switches gears and lures his opponent into a tackle before snagging an easy free-kick.
In possession, Gravenberch has expanded his output to suit the demands of a single-center role this season. For example, in his debut season at Manchester United last season, he attempted an average of 40 passes per 90 minutes and had a success rate of 82%.
This season he is attempting 68 passes and has a success rate of 89%. He is attempting 28 more passes and has a higher completion percentage. He is more involved and much safer. That’s exactly what you want from a person in his position.
According to FBref, he is making more progressive passes, attempting fewer dribbles but more carries.
The distance he is currently traveling on carries is similar to the distance he averaged during his time at Ajax. In fact, his passing numbers are almost identical to those he posted in his final season in Amsterdam.
He’s winning 67% of his challenges, the highest success rate of his career, and he’s winning more tackles and interceptions than ever before.
The 22-year-old hasn’t had to adjust to life as a defensive midfielder in the slot. What’s under the radar is the £35 million signing playing his natural game.
Gravenberch is seeing more of the ball and has more space to manipulate, which gives him more opportunities to develop his play and make the most of his ball-carrying abilities.
This system, in which the Dutch tactician wants to keep Liverpool fairly compact without possession, means Gravenberch is not as exposed as he was in this role last season. Simply put, the Reds allow the Ajax academy graduate to play to his strengths while masking his weaknesses.
This, coupled with Zubimendi’s preference for hiking in the Basque Mountains rather than playing Champions League football, has created a perfect storm for the team and player.
