Storm Darragh has soured Merseyside’s collective temper, however Liverpool will nonetheless sit on the high of the Premier League desk by the top of the weekend.
Such is the energy of Arne Slot‘s facet, such is the sensible begin to the marketing campaign that has seen Liverpool cede floor in simply three of their 14 fixtures to this point.
The table-toppers will now relaxation and get well forward of extra gruelling motion, however there’s an simple sense of frustration that the Reds have been prevented from righting the wrongs of midweek, enduring defensive points in a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park.
The Merseyside derby must wait and maybe it is for the very best, in some methods. Ryan Gravenberch has been indomitable within the engine room this season however suffered from burnout towards Newcastle United.
|
Premier League Statistics – Ryan Gravenberch |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match Stats* |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
|
Matches (begins) |
26 (12) |
14 (14) |
|
Objectives |
1 |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
1 |
|
Touches* |
28.8 |
73.8 |
|
Cross completion |
83% |
89% |
|
Key passes* |
0.6 |
0.6 |
|
Dribbles accomplished* |
0.9 |
0.9 |
|
Ball recoveries* |
2.8 |
5.4 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
1.5 |
3.9 |
|
Whole duels (gained)* |
2.8 (47%) |
5.5 (63%) |
|
Stats by way of Sofascore (* = per recreation) |
||
He is began each Premier League and Champions League match this season and is extensively thought to be one of many highest-performing midfielders in Europe.
It is no marvel that Real Madrid have caught his scent.
Actual Madrid’s curiosity in Ryan Gravenberch
As reported earlier this week, Actual Madrid are inquisitive about Gravenberch after the Netherlands midfielder’s gorgeous begin to the season, making main headway for the reason that middling outcomes of 2023/24.
Reviews of Madrid’s curiosity in Gravenberch serve to intensify the considerations round Liverpool’s midfield depth, and although it is unlikely that FSG would enable the high-flying Dutchman to go away for something aside from a staggering sum, it highlights such fears all the identical.
Even so, Liverpool might do with one other deep-sitting possibility within the centre of the park, and might need discovered the proper candidate to finish a sturdy mixture of expertise.
Liverpool need a new midfielder
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are inquisitive about signing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the intrigue arising from Los Blancos’ need to signal Gravenberch in a mammoth deal.
This season, De Jong has been on the perimeter as a consequence of an harm and consequent issues, however he has a confirmed document throughout a span of years and will definitely add a dimension to Slot’s ball-playing system.
A protracted-time Manchester United goal, Gravenberch’s countryman can be a welcome asset to Liverpool’s first staff, although whether or not FSG would agree to the £51m outlay is one other matter.
What Frenkie De Jong would convey to Liverpool
There is no denying that Liverpool regarded a bit leggy towards a roaring Newcastle facet on Wednesday, and Gravenberch’s struggles actually did emphasise the necessity for a foil.
Wataru Endo, 32, has performed a bit-part function this time period, and although he is efficient in late moments, combative and hard, the Japan star leaves lots to be desired on the ball. Elsewhere, the younger Tyler Morton is part of the first-team squad however scarcely used. Gravenberch wants assist.
And he might discover it in compatriot De Jong, who has struggled for health and kind this season however is understood to have one of many richest passing ranges throughout the continent.
As per FBref, the 27-year-old ranks among the many high 1% of central midfielders throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous yr for cross completion, the highest 4% for progressive passes, the highest 7% for passes tried and progressive carries and the highest 20% for tackles per 90. Fairly the dynamic participant.
A cross is taken into account progressive if the space between the place to begin and the following contact is no less than 10 meters nearer to the opponent’s aim or any accomplished cross into the penalty space.
Waxing lyrical concerning the star’s qualities, former Barca boss Xavi mentioned final season that he is “probably the greatest gamers on the earth.”
When match and firing, that is true. And, furthermore, De Jong would have the ability to assume the function that Gravenberch is enjoying for Liverpool. The Liverpool sensation ranks among the top 10% of Premier League midfielders this season for passes tried per 90 and the highest 19% for cross completion.
Gravenberch, like De Jong, is an adept driver, penetrating by the centre and influencing attacking transitions with slick and purposeful passing. That is essential for Slot’s tactical set-up, permitting for sturdy and managed central play but additionally offering a change from which ahead transition could be initiated with rapidity.
He is gone from energy to energy below Slot’s wing and it is onerous to think about that De Jong would not no less than showcase some spectacular qualities inside the Anfield brood.
Although he is struggled for health this time period, beginning only one La Liga fixture, De Jong has completed 224 appearances in whole for the Catalan giants, notably lifting one league title and one Copa del Rey trophy.
And final season, throughout 20 league matches, De Jong not solely accomplished 94% of his passes however averaged 1.1 key passes per recreation and got here out on high in 59% of his duels, as per Sofascore.
Patently, there is a world-class participant in there who might make an actual distinction to Liverpool’s exploits below Slot’s administration going ahead.
After all, as alluded to earlier, there is no motive why FSG should not engineer a cope with Barcelona for the midfield maestro even when Gravenberch stays put, as will most likely, hopefully, absolutely, be the case.
Liverpool have a demonstrable title-winning high quality about them, having raced into such a commanding lead throughout the opening months of the marketing campaign.
Transfer Focus
Mega cash offers, controversial strikes and big-name flops. That is the house of switch information and opinion throughout Soccer FanCast.
However Gravenberch’s perceived burnout towards Newcastle requires additional expertise to rotate with him and permit for larger depth. Liverpool ought to make their transfer in 2025.
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