Peter Crouch says Jurgen Klopp has made a ‘huge call’ by playing Ryan Gravenberch against Everton.
Gravenberch is set to make his first ever Premier League start for Liverpool this afternoon. And what a game to make it in – the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
On paper, it looks a relatively straightforward call form Klopp. Curtis Jones is still suspended and Gravenberch is well rested having not played during the international break.
But speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the game, former Reds striker Crouch has suggested that the Dutchman’s inclusion could be a gamble.
“Huge call really,” said the pundit. “He’s not played a lot of football, but he’s come into a Merseyside Derby, white hot atmosphere.”
“But there are ball players in there [the Liverpool midfield]. That Fabinho type character seems to have gone, they’re footballers, forward thinking.
“But they’ve had so much success here at Anfield, you’d think more of the same [today].”
Gravenberch earns first start
You can see where Crouch is coming from here, it is a big game for Gravenberch to come in to.
But at the same time, it isn’t like he’s being thrown straight in from nowhere. The 21-year-old has been playing well of late and already has seven appearances under his belt for Liverpool.
He’s also already had experience of starting a game at Anfield – albeit one with a much lower intensity.
There is also the matter of Jones’ red card to take into account. Without the Scouser available, Gravenberch feels like a natural replacement.
Starting with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, he’s also featuring alongside Klopp’s “A team” for the very first time. They should both help him along.
Whatever way you look at it, it’s a huge chance for Gravenberch to stake his claim here. Jones is still suspended for one more game. Play well tonight, and he could really lay a marker down.
Go out there and show them what you can do, Ryan!
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