Arne Slot has identified defensive midfield as a key area for summer reinforcements after arriving at Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool were actively pursuing a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, ready to trigger his €60m (£51.3m) release clause, before being told the Spaniard wanted to stay at his boyhood club.

Rather than pursue alternatives, Liverpool have opted to stick with their current squad and deploy Ryan Gravenberch as the deepest midfielder in Slot’s three-man midfield. The 23-year-old Dutchman has mainly played as an attacking midfielder at Ajax and Bayern Munich, but has excelled in a deeper role this season.

 

 

 

He impressed in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United. Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Ryan Gravenberch’s impressive display will surprise Liverpool and new manager Arne Slot. He said:

“His defensive work against Man Utd was fantastic, I think Liverpool and Slot were surprised because he’s not a natural No. 6, he’s more of an No. 8 who wants to get in front of the box and score goals.

Slot saw the potential in Gravenberch in the deepest midfield position, but I think he was still surprised by how well he played there. They had a plan to sign a defensive midfielder but it didn’t work out, now that Gravenberch is playing well, I don’t think they’ll prioritise that position anymore.”