Liverpool headed into Saturday’s game against Ipswich Town having failed to make a signing so far this summer.
The Reds have had three months or so to bring in some new faces, but haven’t been able to get one over the line.
The closest they came was a botched attempt to prise Martin Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad. Although unsuccessful, Liverpool trying to sign Zubimendi was a clear sign from Arne Slot.
The head coach was sending a plain message that he was not quite satisfied with the options he has in the deepest-lying midfield position within the Liverpool squad.
Nevertheless, Slot is going to have to go with what he has for now. On Saturday, that meant Ryan Gravenberch filling in.
Arne Slot gives Ryan Gravenberch verdict
Liverpool’s failure to sign Zubimendi really opened the door for Gravenberch to earn a spot in the team.
Along with Curtis Jones, the 22-year-old looks best suited to carrying out what Slot wants from the number six in his team.
On Saturday, it was Gravenberch who got the nod. And after his performance against the Tractor Boys, we don’t think he’ll be coming out any time soon.
Like the rest of his teammates, Liverpool’s No.38 struggled a little during the opening 45 minutes. But after the break, Gravenberch showed why he can be the answer for Slot in this role.
READ MORE: Peter Crouch says one Liverpool player will ‘not be happy’ with Arne Slot’s team selection vs Ipswich
Following his admittance that he was not happy with Jarell Quansah’s performance, Slot was asked in his post-match press conference what he thought of Gravenberch’s display.
“Of course, Ryan is attacking minded but if we play with him [in defensive midfield] the rest of the team needs to help him as well,” said the 45-year-old.
“It takes a lot of effort from the attackers and the attacking midfielders to help him there.
“But what we do know with Ryan is that he can play the ball forward if he sees options to do so. So, that helped us today, especially in the second-half.”
Can Ryan Gravenberch be Liverpool’s long-term No.6?
For many Liverpool supporters, the failure to sign a defensive midfielder this summer is an unforgivable error from FSG.
The Reds have now missed out on three top targets in the position three summers in a row.
Nevertheless, there were clear signs against Ipswich that it’s possible for Gravenberch to be the player they’ve been waiting for.
As Slot says, he was front-footed and clever on the ball, astute with his positional play and tackling and helped to keep a clean sheet for Liverpool.
There is certainly room for improvement there. But perhaps this is the exact chance that Gravenberch has been waiting. At 22, he can maybe see this as an opportunity to really nail down his role in the team.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
