Jamie Carragher expressed his intrigue regarding the expected arrival of Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool. The Liverpool legend raised questions about whether the Ajax academy product can effectively fulfill the defensive midfield role, especially considering Liverpool’s need for more midfield presence.
Despite his reservations, Carragher acknowledged that Gravenberch boasts a strong footballing background and is not prohibitively expensive. He shared these thoughts during a Deadline Day discussion on Sky Sports on September 1, 2023, at 5:50 pm.
According to reports from Sky Sports, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have reached a £34.2 million agreement for the 21-year-old player. However, as the Friday deadline approaches, Liverpool fans are eagerly anticipating Gravenberch’s arrival.
Carragher offered the following perspective on Gravenberch’s impending move: “It’s intriguing to consider where Ryan Gravenberch will fit in. I don’t believe he is the defensive midfielder that Liverpool still needs, even though they’ve brought in a player from Germany (Endo). I see him more as a number eight, a box-to-box midfielder who advances forward. This is why Bayern Munich let him go; Thomas Tuchel didn’t want to use him in that role. He has a slightly different playing style.”
“He is a player Liverpool and the club were interested in 12 months ago as well. I’m curious to see where he slots into the team and whether Klopp envisions him as a defensive midfielder. I don’t think that’s his natural position. However, he is young, has a solid footballing background, having played for two prestigious clubs in Ajax and Bayern Munich, and the transfer fee isn’t exorbitant.”
While there might be some adjustments to be made, Klopp is known for his coaching abilities and could help Gravenberch adapt to the Liverpool setup. Gravenberch’s versatility allows him to operate in a defensive role or as a number eight, making him a valuable addition to the squad. If the transfer to Merseyside materializes, Klopp appears to be an ideal coach and mentor for his development.”