Ryan Gravenberch was left as an unused substitute during Liverpool's Premier League draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, marking the first time since April 2024 that he failed to play a minute in a league game for which he was available.
The Netherlands international has struggled to reach the consistent levels that made him integral to the 2024/25 title triumph under Arne Slot. His difficulties date back to the opening weekend 2-2 draw at Newcastle United, where he was substituted and later singled out by new head coach Andoni Iraola following a wayward display.
Difficult period continues
The 24-year-old was enjoying arguably his best game of the season against Manchester City last month when he was shown two yellow cards and dismissed. Liverpool went on to lose 3-0. His campaign was also encapsulated in the Carabao Cup win over Chelsea last Wednesday, where he performed poorly in midfield and missed his spot kick in the shoot-out.
After the Arsenal game, supporters spotted Gravenberch had liked a post from Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber celebrating the Gunners' victory. Timber is a former team-mate of Gravenberch at Ajax and a long-time friend, but the timing was sufficient for some Reds fans to be irked.
Iraola's backing
Speaking a few days after the Chelsea match, Iraola said: "He has had better games this season, worse games. Lately he is playing a lot of minutes and has played also very good games recently. We trust him. We know what he can produce and like with other players, when they don’t play well, I try to help to improve the things I think he can improve. And when he is in a good place, try to keep him there. It’s the same with Ryan."
Getting Gravenberch back into a good place will be paramount for the Liverpool boss given the demands that continue after the forthcoming international break. The Reds will return in late November with a sequence of nine games in 28 days ahead of Christmas week.
Adaptation struggles
Gravenberch signed an improved six-year contract in March, but that was under compatriot Slot, with whom he has played his best football for Liverpool having initially been signed by Jurgen Klopp from Bayern Munich in September 2023.
In the Premier League, Gravenberch is averaging fewer tackles and interceptions per game than the last two seasons, and having lasted the 90 minutes just once, he is averaging less than half the amount of passes per game. The pass accuracy is also down.
He isn't the only player struggling to adapt, with Dominik Szoboszlai also not at the level shown in recent years. Instead, Alexis Mac Allister and 19-year-old Trey Nyoni have been the biggest beneficiaries of Iraola's formative influence on the engine room. That Nyoni was preferred to Gravenberch to make a first Premier League start alongside Mac Allister on Sunday was a major call that hinted at the current pecking order in midfield.
Gravenberch is likely to be recalled for the Champions League clash at Fenerbahce on Wednesday, an opportune moment for the Dutchman to post a reminder of his worth.
