Ryan Gravenberch: How Arne Slot Transformed Him into Liverpool’s Key No.6

From Midfield Prospect to Defensive Anchor

Liverpool’s search for a new No.6 dominated headlines during last summer’s transfer window, but Arne Slot has found an unexpected solution in Ryan Gravenberch . The Dutch midfielder, initially known for his attacking prowess, has undergone a remarkable transformation under Slot, solidifying his role at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.

While Jurgen Klopp’s departure marked a period of transition, Slot opted for stability rather than a squad overhaul. The only major arrival last summer was Federico Chiesa, while Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed but remained on loan at Valencia. Despite speculation linking Liverpool with Spain’s Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi, no new No.6 arrived at Anfield.

However, with Liverpool leading the Premier League , reaching the Carabao Cup final, and advancing to the Champions League last 16, it’s clear Slot has worked wonders with his existing squad,particularly with Gravenberch.

The Rise of Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool

Gravenberch’s impact has been undeniable. Since his £34 million move from Bayern Munich in 2023, the 22-year-old has started every Premier League match this season, cementing his place as a crucial cog in Liverpool’s midfield. In December, FourFourTwo ranked him No.9 in their list of the world’s best defensive midfielders,a testament to his rapid adaptation to the role.

Former Liverpool head of research Ian Graham, who had monitored Gravenberch since his Ajax days, has been particularly impressed by Slot’s tactical reinvention of the player.

“In Gravenberch’s first season at Ajax, he instantly popped into our ratings as one of the best under-21 midfielders in Europe,” Graham told FourFourTwo. “He looked like a future superstar,it was surprising that he didn’t get many chances at Bayern Munich. But the key is understanding his role. What position was he playing? What formation was Bayern using? Was it similar to Ajax? These factors matter.”

“The impressive thing is Arne Slot has made him into more of a No.6,at Ajax, he was more of a box-to-box midfielder.”

A Midfield Rebuild Paying Off

Gravenberch was part of Liverpool’s major midfield revamp in the same window that saw the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. With the departures of Sadio Mané, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson, the club needed fresh faces to take charge of the midfield.

Interestingly, Mac Allister has also thrived in an unfamiliar role. “Alexis Mac Allister was a No.10 in Argentina,he still wears that number,but he struggled in that position when he first came to the Premier League with Brighton,” Graham added. “I remember thinking, ‘Why have Brighton signed him?’ But when he dropped deeper into midfield, everything changed.”

Long-Term Solution for Liverpool

Now valued at €55 million, Gravenberch is proving to be a long-term answer to Liverpool’s midfield concerns. At just 22, he has plenty of room to grow, which could be crucial as the club faces a crucial summer.

With the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk still uncertain,each of them in the final months of their contracts,securing key positions like the No.6 role could help Liverpool maintain their dominance in English and European football.

Stay tuned for more updates as Liverpool continue their push for silverware this season!