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Liverpool skipper Van Dijk hails ‘unbelievable’ teammate in ‘incredible shape’

Ryan Gravenberch Rising: Liverpool’s Midfield Masterclass

Credit must go to James Pearce in The Athletic for an excellent exploration of Ryan Gravenberch’s transformation at Liverpool. His article highlights not only the Dutchman’s development but also how Arne Slot has shaped a midfielder now being hailed as the most complete in the Premier League.

From Deep Anchor to Driving Force

Last season, Ryan Gravenberch was tasked with anchoring Liverpool’s midfield, a role that restricted his attacking instincts. Pearce noted that he “felt like he was a marked man” as opponents targeted him in a bid to blunt Liverpool’s momentum. It was a measure of his growing influence that so many sought to shut him down.

Despite playing 49 matches across all competitions, the Dutchman failed to score, a frustration he openly admitted. He even joked about asking Mohamed Salah if he could step up for penalties. Yet his defensive duties remained paramount, covering while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai pushed forward.

This campaign, however, the story has shifted. Slot has unlocked him. Pearce’s reporting emphasises that Gravenberch is “off the leash, enabling the 23-year-old to show how he really is the full package”.

Derby Heroics Showcase His Evolution

The clearest demonstration came in Liverpool’s derby victory over Everton. Gravenberch not only scored but also provided an assist, becoming the youngest Liverpool player in the Premier League era to achieve both feats in a Merseyside derby.

Virgil van Dijk was glowing in his praise: “Ryan is unbelievable. He’s very important to the way we play. You can see the number of times I try to look for him. It benefits him, me and the team.”

The goal itself was exquisite: a perfectly timed run, Salah’s lofted pass, and a sublime right-footed finish beyond Jordan Pickford. As Pearce captured, “There was so much to admire — the timing of the run… and the sublime hooked right-footed finish.”

Moments later, Gravenberch supplied Hugo Ekitike with a weighted ball that cut Everton apart. Ten line-breaking passes, four in the final third, underlined just how much of a creative hub he has become.

Numbers Backing Up the Brilliance

Pearce’s piece highlighted the balance in Gravenberch’s game. He won seven of 11 duels, made five tackles, and still produced an 84 per cent passing accuracy. This blend of silk and steel defines him. His ability to manipulate space and shield the ball with his frame is reminiscent of the finest Dutch midfield traditions.

Even Slot, ever pragmatic, admitted: “Maybe not off the pitch but on the pitch, Ryan likes the spotlight. He has a bit more freedom now.” The Liverpool manager also praised his tireless defensive covering for Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai, proof that the attacking numbers are not the whole picture.

Transformation Beyond the Pitch

The rise of Gravenberch has not been purely tactical. Off the field, he has leaned on Virgil van Dijk’s advice regarding diet, recovery and preparation. He has also benefitted from Liverpool’s performance staff, including Jonathan Power and Conall Murtagh. Add to that the motivation of becoming a new father, and you see a player physically and mentally primed to excel.

Liverpool’s decision to sign him from Bayern Munich for £34 million now looks a masterstroke. Bayern must surely regret letting a talent of this calibre go after just three Bundesliga starts. His value has skyrocketed, and his influence is becoming indispensable.

As Pearce summarised, “Even without the goals and assists, Ryan would have still played really well.” That is the true mark of a midfielder who can now define games in multiple ways.