There was a time not so long ago when Ryan Gravenberch looked like one of Liverpool’s most exciting midfielders. Last season he showed real promise — driving forward with the ball, contributing goals, and looking like a player who could dominate games from midfield.
But this season has told a very different story.
The Dutch midfielder’s form has dropped dramatically, and his performance in Liverpool’s defeat to Wolves summed up a worrying trend that has developed throughout the campaign.
From Key Player to Passenger
Last season, Gravenberch looked like a midfielder with huge potential. His physical presence, ability to carry the ball, and attacking instincts made him a constant threat when Liverpool pushed forward.
However, this season he has struggled to maintain that influence.
While he has still contributed around four goals and a couple of assists in the league, his overall impact in matches has declined significantly.
Too often he drifts in and out of games, and Liverpool’s midfield has frequently lacked the control and intensity needed to dominate opponents.
A Nightmare First Half Against Wolves
Liverpool’s defeat to Wolves highlighted the problem perfectly.
Gravenberch endured a difficult and frustrating first half, committing several fouls and eventually picking up a booking. His performance was so poor that Arne Slot had little choice but to substitute him at half-time.
At times he looked:
Slow to react in midfield Loose in possession Vulnerable defensively
In fact, many ratings placed him among Liverpool’s worst performers on the night, with some outlets giving him the lowest rating in the team.
When a midfielder is on a yellow card and struggling to control the game, the manager’s hands are often tied — and that appeared to be the case here.
Liverpool’s Midfield Problems Continue
Gravenberch’s dip in form is also part of a wider issue for Liverpool this season.
The midfield has often lacked:
Energy Defensive discipline Control in key moments
And when those problems appear in big matches, Liverpool have paid the price — including conceding late goals and dropping important points.
A Big Question for the Rest of the Season
Gravenberch is still only 23, so there is plenty of time for him to rediscover the form that once made him such an exciting prospect.
But right now, it is fair to say that Liverpool need much more from him.
If the team is to recover its form and push back toward the top of the table, players like Gravenberch must start influencing games again — not disappearing from them.
Because on current form, the midfielder who looked so promising last season now looks like a shadow of the player Liverpool fans hoped he would become.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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