Pundit suggests Jurgen Klopp could be trying to turn £34m player into his very own Rodri

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Jurgen Klopp could be trying to turn Ryan Gravenberch into Liverpool’s version of Rodri.

The Reds signed Gravenberch for £34m on transfer deadline day, amid suggestions he could be used in a deeper lying role to usual. So far, we haven’t seen that. But after only one start, that doesn’t tell us too much.

Now, speaking on The 2 Robbie’s show on NBC Sports, pundit Robbie Earle has suggested that Gravenberch may be more suited to the job than current incumbent Alexis Mac Allister.

“I think you can trust him [Mac Allister] with the ball. Happy to receive it when marked, he’s got good technical ability to get himself out of trouble,” began the former Wimbledon man.

“It’s just probably that you’re not getting the best of him. If you could find somebody who could anchor there.

“Could Gravenberch be the guy? I know people think he’s a hit more of an 8 with legs and he can make things happen. Just wondering if he [Jurgen Klopp] could try and convert him to be a bit more Rodri-esque, let’s say. Can play a little bit but has got good size and physicality to get across the pitch.

“He’s a young player, lots of talent. I’m wondering if maybe Klopp’s thinking he can mould him into that type of player.”

Klopp looking for Rodri inspiration

In reality, Rodri and Gravenberch look like different styles of player. One is more of a natural defensive midfielder, while the other is a little more elegant, a touch more adventurous.

But on paper, Earle may actually be onto something here.

Klopp quite clearly has a plan for Gravenberch. Liverpool wouldn’t have waited so patiently to get him for quite so long if he didn’t.

Quite what that plan is obviously hasn’t become clear just yet. But given the reasons Earle mentions, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 21-year-old was intended to be used in the manner Pep Guardiola uses Rodri for Manchester City.

For a little while, there was a debate over who was the better defensive midfielder: Rodri or Fabinho. Although the City man is clearly winning that argument now, there was a time when Fabinho comfortably shaded it.

Since the Brazilian’s deterioration in form, Liverpool have not been able to keep pace with City. Now that he’s left the club, the Reds could do with getting someone of Rodri’s level once again.

He may take a while to get there, but perhaps Gravenberch really can be that man. Time will tell.