Liverpool have been looking for a defensive midfielder since Aurélien Tchouaméni was first linked with a move in 2022. With the Frenchman choosing a move to Real Madrid over the Reds, a failed £115m bid for Moisés Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi remaining at Real Sociedad, it feels as though the marquee signing of a holding midfielder will never happen.
Although Wataru Endo did join Liverpool, he was seen merely as a stop-gap and, after a decent season under Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot seemingly doesn’t see him as his man, likely due to his limitations on the ball.
Pre-season and the opening Premier League game against Ipswich showed that Ryan Gravenberch appears to be his main option for the position, who impressed a lot on the weekend, but has he got what it takes to fix a two-year long issue in Liverpool’s midfield?
After a very good display, especially in the second half at Portman Road, many fans have claimed to be excited for Gravenberch in a new role and that it’s the way forward. He definitely impressed with his ability to receive the ball, win his duels and play progressive passes.
The unlikelihood of any signings in that position this summer means that Liverpool will have to look at internal options. Endo doesn’t seem to be Slot’s ideal candidate for the role, Tyler Morton most likely isn’t ready and Stefan Bajčetić has only recently returned from a long-term injury, and will need more time to regain sharpness after looking slightly rusty in pre-season.
This leaves Liverpool with their central midfielders. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai started alongside Gravenberch on Saturday and, while Mac Allister has had experience as a holding midfielder, Slot likely feels that their talents would be wasted if they’re not further up the field. Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones would also present the same problem, as well as the lack of the physicality to excel in that role.
Gravenberch’s height and frame, coupled with his ability to hold the ball and his passing prowess make him a great option for Slot’s possession-based system, although it would take some time for him to improve to the required level defensively to be a world-class level holding midfielder.
The main issue regarding Gravenberch is the time and patience he would need as he learns this new role. He’s going to make mistakes and Liverpool fans need to accept this to allow him to develop.
While it may not be the perfect option, it appears to be the best option available to Slot right now and I believe, if he is afforded the time, he could become a top-level defensive midfielder for Liverpool.
