![\"Ryan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0_GettyImages-2282847557.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRyan Gravenberch has been impressing with Holland in the World Cup in a different role to the one he has had at Liverpool<\/p>\n
13:58, 26 Jun 2026Updated 14:10, 26 Jun 2026<\/p>\n
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Ryan Gravenberch of Holland and Liverpool(Image: Stefan Koops\/EYE4IMAGES\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
When Arne Slot took over the reins from Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss two years ago, one of his first major tactical decisions was to transform Ryan Gravenberch into a defensive midfielder.<\/p>\n
Given the manner in which the Reds<\/a> then romped to a record-equalling 20th championship with Gravenberch<\/a> voted among the best Premier League<\/a> players of the season, the switch most certainly paid instant dividends.<\/p>\n There was, though, an admission from the player himself that opponents had become wise to the move during the second half of the campaign.<\/p>\n “Now I don’t get the ball as much, they (opponents) know how we play and they want to close the middle,” said Gravenberch. “It makes it a little bit difficult for me but I have to find the way through.”<\/p>\n Slot<\/a> opted for a more subtle change last season with Gravenberch operating in a slightly more free role which allowed him to augment the attack more readily.<\/p>\n With six strikes and six assists compared to just four assists the previous season, it worked regards improving the number of goal contributions from the Holland international.<\/p>\n But with Alexis Mac Allister<\/a> struggling for form and Wataru Endo<\/a> either injured or overlooked, it came at the expense of some defensive solidity which played a part in Liverpool shipping 53 goals in the top flight – their most in a 38-game Premier League campaign.<\/p>\n Gravenberch is playing in another different position in the engine room for Holland at the World Cup, one of two more advanced players ahead of number six Frenkie de Jong.<\/p>\n Holland opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan in which Gravenberch assisted both goals, with the Liverpool man subsequently playing an important role in comprehensive wins over Sweden and Tunisia that have set up a round-of-32 clash with Morocco.<\/p>\n “A lot has changed in the last two years,” said Gravenberch this week. “For example, that I started playing more at my club, which allowed me to secure a starting spot. It feels good to play in a World Cup like this, the highest stage, so that is great to experience.<\/p>\n “My areas for improvement? Sometimes I need to recognise situations better on the ball and off the ball. There is still room for improvement.”<\/p>\n Indeed, Holland national team coach Ronald Koeman is in agreement. “Two years ago, his situation was different,” he said of Gravenberch.<\/p>\n “You only really develop when you play every week, and that has happened. When he went to Liverpool, he became a starter, but there is still room for development in recognising situations in matches.<\/p>\n “But he has taken big steps, and that has really shown. There is no point in talking about two years ago, because he has improved significantly.”<\/p>\n Gravenberch’s next step, though, will come under Andoni Iraola<\/a> after the Spaniard replaced the sacked Slot as Reds boss earlier this month.<\/p>\n Having signed an improved six-year contract with the club earlier this year, there is little doubt the club and player envisage Gravenberch’s future being at Anfield<\/a> for many seasons to come.<\/p>\n Liverpool at present are not actively pursuing midfield reinforcements<\/a> but that could change with question marks over the futures of Curtis Jones<\/a> and Endo – who are both approaching the last 12 months of their contracts – an Allister having not been offered a new deal amid speculation of interest from Spain.<\/p>\n How Gravenberch fits into Iraola’s midfield plan will intrigue.<\/p>\n While the new head coach was similar to predecessor Slot in opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation at Bournemouth, at least one of the two deeper central midfielders was significantly more defensive-minded, a role which Gravenberch has moved away from in the last 12 months.<\/p>\n And his performances for Holland during the World Cup have perhaps suggested Gravenberch direction of travel is now away from being a number six – and will have given the watching Iraola food for thought.<\/p>\n A possible new role awaits for the versatile midfielder on his return to the AXA Training Centre.<\/p>\n Get the best Liverpool FC news and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Echo!<\/p>\n It’s as simple as 1-2-3.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0_Screenshot-2026-06-03-at-133610.png\")
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