Ryan Gravenberch has established himself as one of Liverpool’s standout players since last season began.
Ryan Gravenberch’s transformation under Arne Slot has been one of the standout stories of Liverpool’s season so far. Since the Dutchman replaced Jurgen Klopp, the former Bayern Munich midfielder has stepped up his game and is now being spoken of as one of the Premier League’s best holding players.
The 23-year-old has started the 2025/26 campaign in outstanding form. If he maintains this level, there’s every chance he could soon be regarded as one of Liverpool’s most influential players.
Although Gravenberch was initially deployed as a deep-lying number six, supporters have noticed a subtle but important change in his role. In recent weeks, he has been pushing further forward, something the player himself has now confirmed is part of Arne Slot’s tactical tweaks.
Slot gives midfield more freedom
Under Klopp and even in Slot’s first months, Liverpool’s midfielders were known for sticking rigidly to their positions. At times, the system looked almost too structured, leaving opponents able to predict and counter the Reds’ play.
But this season has seen a shift. Slot has loosened the reins, allowing his midfielders to interchange and advance with more freedom. The results have been clear: Liverpool remain unbeaten across all competitions, collecting 15 points in the league and winning every game except one.
Speaking after the derby, Gravenberch credited his manager for the change. “The coach has given me the confidence,” he told TNT Sports. “Last season I was just like only on the six, deep, and now I can go more forward, like you see today. I think my strength is also there, so I’m happy with that, and I’m also happy with my goal.”
It’s a freedom that has brought the best out of him — and Liverpool fans are quickly seeing the benefits.
Gravenberch’s derby stunner
The Merseyside derby itself highlighted exactly what Gravenberch can bring when given license to get forward. With the game finely balanced, Mohamed Salah picked him out with a precise pass. The Dutchman took a glance, set himself, and struck the ball sweetly past Jordan Pickford to give Liverpool the lead.
It was one of the best goals the Reds have scored this season, combining timing, vision, and technique in one fluid moment. The finish left Everton stunned and gave Liverpool early control in a tense contest.
Watching from afar, Rio Ferdinand was quick to hail the effort. Taking to X, the former Manchester United defender posted: “Gravenberch some player,” summing up the quality of the strike.
Liverpool went on to secure the win, but their tendency to let opponents back into games is still a concern. On another day, Everton might have punished their lapses, and it’s something Slot will want to address quickly.
For a club that has invested more than £400 million in the summer transfer window — including the headline arrival of Alexander Isak — allowing late goals could be costly. The quality is clearly there, but consistency and game management will decide how far Liverpool can go.
If Gravenberch continues his upward trajectory, though, Slot’s side may well have found the midfield general capable of driving them to another title.