The evolution of Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool's newest attacker
Ryan Gravenberch became indispensable for Liverpool last season. Now he’s just as important but his role has changed.
The arrival of Arne Slot marked a fresh start for Gravenberch, who had struggled to secure minutes in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
Initially under Slot Gravenberch was utilised in the holding midfield role, and very quickly he was recognised as one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
Slot’s side has evolved a lot since the Dutchman first arrived though, and Gravenberch’s role has changed as part of that.
Almost ever-present for Liverpool this season, the 23-year-old has been handed more freedom, and he is flourishing.
Shop the LFC Store
🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨
How has Gravenberch’s role changed this season?
It is important to note that Gravenberch’s position isn’t the only one that has been altered, and a summer of new arrivals has led to Liverpool deploying a slightly different system.
That being said, Gravenberch’s change is one of the most noticeable.
The main difference in the Dutchman’s role is that he is getting forward more. Gravenberch has taken considerably more shots per 90 minutes this season in the league, 1.15 as opposed to his 0.57 last season.
The midfielder is also attempting more passes and has 3.06 shot creating actions per 90 this campaign compared to just 1.94 in 2024/25.
Gravenberch is taking more touches in general, but also taking more touches in the opposition box.
His move up the pitch is clear, and it has paid off for the 23-year-old
Gravenberch’s excellent attacking returns
During Liverpool’s Premier League winning campaign last season Gravenberch was one of just a handful of outfield players not to score a league goal.
This season, the Dutchman already has four goals in the league, making it the most prolific season of his career so far after just 18 league games.
He is also on track to match the number of assists he provided last season.
Gravenberch has become a massive part of how Liverpool progress the ball in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, recording the third most progressive carries of any midfielder in the Premier League this season.
Interestingly, although he is completing more progressive carries per 90, Gravenberch is also trying to take on opposition players less often.
Has Gravenberch’s defensive output been impacted?
Of course, the draw back that usually comes with a player being given more attacking freedom is a drop-off in defensive contributions.
This has been seen with Gravenberch this season, although the drop off isn’t too severe.
During the 24/25 season the Dutchman made 1.71 tackles and interceptions per 90, this season that number has dropped to 1.4.
Usually, such a minimal defensive drop-off would be justified by the significant improvement in attacking output, but the change has come at a time when Liverpool are defending worse as a team.
The Reds’ defensive frailties make it harder to justify the increased attacking responsibility Gravenberch has been given, but a recent upturn in Liverpool’s form might allow the Dutchman to continue his new role.
Is Gravenberch’s new role permeant?
If the 23-year-old can maintain his current attacking output, he will no doubt be asking Slot to hold back on any tactical changes.
It is a World Cup year and, although he would likely be included anyway, Gravenberch will probably feel his new attacking role is more likely to grab the attention of Dutch National Team boss Ronald Koeman.
If Liverpool dip back into the poor form they experienced throughout October and November the burden may once again fall on the Dutchman to fill in defensively, much like it did last season, but no Liverpool supporter will want to consider that situation.
Gravenberch seems to be thriving with his newfound attacking freedom, and if he continues to be as effective as he has been recently it is likely to continue indefinitely.
Related News
Liverpool want deal for £19m per year free agent forward
Comments
No comments yet…
You must be logged in to post a comment.