It’s still early days in the Premier League’s new season, and under the leadership of Arne Slot, Liverpool has started with three consecutive victories, each without conceding a goal. Much of this success can be attributed to Slot’s astute adjustments to the lineup, particularly in midfield, where he faces the challenge of selecting from a pool of talented players. Among these, Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as a standout, outperforming Wataru Endo and proving why he is a better fit for Slot’s system. Jurgen Klopp preferred Endo over the Dutchman but over the summer, Endo has dropped down in the pecking order after Slot’s arrival.
Gravenberch’s Breakout against Manchester United
While Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz have garnered headlines with their goal contributions, Gravenberch’s performances have been equally impressive. His breakout came in the high-stakes match against Manchester United, where his influence on the game was undeniable. In the early moments of the match, Gravenberch showcased his vision and technical ability. Although Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal was ruled offside, it was Gravenberch who initiated the attack with a precise dribble past Matthijs de Ligt and a well-timed pass to Díaz, leading to the disallowed goal. This play set the tone for Gravenberch’s dominant display throughout the match.
His pivotal role in Liverpool’s opening goal, where he pressed and intercepted Casemiro’s pass before driving forward and linking up with Salah, demonstrated his ability to influence the game in both defensive and offensive phases. Gravenberch’s performance was marked by four interceptions, two tackles, 34 completed passes (82.9% accuracy), and 27 carries, including three progressive ones. These stats highlight his all-around contribution to Liverpool’s midfield dominance.
Why Gravenberch Fits in Slot’s System
Gravenberch’s performances in pre-season hinted at his potential, but it was his early-season displays that confirmed his place in Slot’s system. His technical skills, combined with his ability to navigate tight spaces and make quick decisions, make him a perfect fit for Slot’s possession-based approach.
Slot’s system prioritizes calmness and efficiency in midfield, a departure from the more direct style favored by Jurgen Klopp. Gravenberch’s ability to recycle possession, shrug off the press, and maintain composure under pressure has been instrumental in implementing this new approach. His role as a No. 6 has been crucial in maintaining Liverpool’s compact shape, which has been a key factor in their unbeaten start to the season.
In contrast, Wataru Endo, while a solid midfielder, lacks the same level of technical prowess and adaptability that Gravenberch offers. Endo’s strengths lie in his work rate and defensive contributions, but he has yet to demonstrate the same ability to dictate play from deep or influence the game in the final third. As Slot looks to maintain control and fluidity in midfield, Gravenberch’s skill set makes him the preferred choice.
The demanding fixture list Liverpool faces from mid-September to early November will test the squad’s depth, with 14 games in 44 days. This intense schedule means that players like Tyler Morton and Wataru Endo, who have been on the fringes, will likely see more playing time. However, Gravenberch’s early-season form has solidified his place in the starting lineup, and his ability to execute Slot’s tactical plan makes him indispensable in the most crucial fixtures. Endo’s determination to break into the first team is commendable, and his experience could be valuable in certain situations, but Gravenberch’s performances have set a high standard.
Ryan Gravenberch’s performances in the opening weeks of the Premier League season have shown why he is a better fit for Arne Slot’s system than Wataru Endo. His technical ability, vision, and composure under pressure have made him a key player in Liverpool’s midfield, helping the team maintain control and fluidity in possession. While Endo and Morton may play important roles as the season progresses, Gravenberch has firmly established himself as the linchpin in Slot’s tactical setup, and his continued inclusion in the starting lineup seems all but certain.
