Alan Shearer Lauds Ryan Gravenberch’s Impact at Liverpool
Liverpool’s sensational start to the 2024/25 Premier League season under manager Arne Slot has caught the eye of many, including Alan Shearer. The BBC pundit and Premier League legend has singled out one player in particular, Ryan Gravenberch, as a key factor in the Reds’ success so far.
Shearer included the Dutch midfielder in his Premier League Team of the Season (so far), alongside three other Liverpool stars: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. This recognition highlights Gravenberch’s remarkable growth and contribution to Liverpool’s impressive form.
Gravenberch’s Transformation Under Slot
Shearer, explaining his choice on premierleague.com, praised the 22-year-old for adapting seamlessly to a new role within the team. “He’s taken on a slightly more defensive role this season and has been dominant in midfield,” Shearer noted. “That dominance has been pivotal to Liverpool’s strength in both attack and defence.”
Slot’s decision to reposition Gravenberch as a deep-lying midfielder has been nothing short of a tactical masterstroke. The former Ajax prodigy has thrived in this role, blending his natural technical abilities with defensive discipline, making him an indispensable part of Liverpool’s system.
Outstanding Stats Back the Praise
Gravenberch’s numbers this season underline why he has become one of Liverpool’s standout performers. According to data from FBref, the Dutch international boasts an impressive pass success rate of 89.7%, ranking fifth among his teammates across all competitions.
Defensively, he has been a rock, leading the team with a combined total of 63 tackles and interceptions. His ability to read the game and break up opposition attacks has provided a solid foundation for Liverpool’s resurgence.
Gravenberch has also contributed significantly. Only three Liverpool players have surpassed his tally of goal-creating actions, and he has displayed remarkable efficiency in one-on-one situations, with a success rate of 62.5% for take-ons (excluding those with fewer than five attempts). Additionally, he ranks fourth in the squad for progressive carries, showcasing his ability to drive the team forward from deep positions.
Slot’s Masterstroke
Arne Slot’s influence on Gravenberch cannot be overstated. By placing him in a deeper midfield role, the Liverpool manager has unlocked a balance of defensive solidity and creative output. Gravenberch’s performance this season epitomizes the synergy between tactical insight and individual talent, proving how a player’s potential can be maximized when used in the right way.
Integral to Liverpool’s Title Charge
Liverpool fans and neutrals alike will be keeping a close eye on Gravenberch as the season unfolds. If the Reds are to end the season as Premier League champions, the Dutchman’s contributions will undoubtedly play a crucial role. His ability to dictate games from midfield, protect the defence, and initiate attacks makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the league this season.
Shearer’s recognition of Gravenberch in his Team of the Season is well-deserved, and it further cements the midfielder’s status as one of the standout performers of the campaign. As Liverpool continues their quest for silverware, Gravenberch will be at the heart of their success.
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