After dropping out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham, Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as Liverpool’s new midfield target for the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to the Times, Jurgen Klopp’s side are increasing their efforts to bring the Dutch youngster to Anfield, with Bayern Munich seemingly open to selling Gravenberch just one year after signing the midfielder from Ajax for a reported £16m.
A talent that has been linked to Paul Pogba, Gravenberch ticks a lot of boxes for what many football fans would consider a ‘complete midfielder’ given his 6’2″ frame yet unbelievable technical ability, qualities that make the youngster a dream Liverpool signing.
With that all in mind, though, how could Gravenberch fit in Liverpool’s starting XI for the 2023/24 season, and who might benefit the most from the Dutchman’s arrival to Anfield?
Gravenberch lines up alongside Thiago and Fabinho in midfield three
Gravenberch is unlikely to be the only midfielder Liverpool sign this summer, with the Reds realistically targeting at least three players in the position with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all expected to leave, with Thiago Alcantara’s injury problems a consistent worry for the Reds.
However, when fit, there’s no denying that the Spanish international is amongst the best midfielders in the world, and for Gravenberch, Thiago makes for the perfect midfield partner and mentor, with the former Ajax man the ideal player to replace the 31-year-old in the years to come.
Gravenberch’s Ajax education has made the midfielder as technically gifted as possible for a player of his size, and with the 20-year-old lining up against Thiago with Fabinho in defensive midfield, Liverpool could have an incredibly fluid trio ready to go for the new season.
Klopp turns to youth and innovation with Elliott and Alexander-Arnold
Whilst Fabinho and Thiago are the two players Gravenberch could expect to find himself playing alongside next season, there’s every reason to believe that Klopp could throw the book out the window and try something completely different, and Harvey Elliott and Trent Alexander-Arnold could play roles.
The former Fulham wonderkid has featured in every Liverpool game this season bar one, and also aged 20, Elliott could establish himself as a dream midfield partner for Gravenberch, with Alexander-Arnold potentially perfect to replace Fabinho in the centre of the park.
Indeed, the concept is out there and would require Alexander-Arnold and Gravenberch to step up their games defensively, yet with Liverpool in need of something new and bold to get the midfield working again, this trio could be the answer that leads the Reds into a new future with the Dutchman in the squad.