Ryan Gravenberch is one of the Liverpool players I’m most interested in watching under Andoni Iraola.
Because we’ve already seen what he can do.
The midfielder was one of the standout players during Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign, but he hasn’t looked like the same player since. Now Iraola has to work out how to get that version of Gravenberch back.
And I’m starting to wonder whether this could become one of the more important jobs the new Liverpool manager has.
Gravenberch isn’t suddenly a bad footballer. He’s 24, Liverpool have committed to him with a contract running until 2032 and there is a reason the club wanted him tied down for the long term.
But something has clearly been missing.
When Gravenberch was at his best, he looked powerful and confident. He could pick the ball up deep, drive through midfield and carry Liverpool up the pitch.
That player hasn’t disappeared.
We just haven’t seen enough of him lately.
During Liverpool’s title-winning season in 2024/25, Gravenberch was voted the Premier League Young Player of the Season and was included in the fan-voted Team of the Season.
That tells us something.
We’ve already seen him perform at a very high level.
Last season was different. His performances dropped off and he became much less influential in games. This season hasn’t exactly started with him becoming an automatic starter either.
He has made five Premier League appearances but started only two, playing 192 minutes and registering one assist. He was given just nine minutes in Liverpool’s recent win at Bournemouth.
So where does Iraola go from here?
For me, that’s the interesting question.
I don’t think the answer is simply playing Gravenberch every week and hoping he finds his form.
Iraola has to figure out how to get the best out of him.
And that might mean giving him a clearer role.
Gravenberch is at his best when he can use his physical ability and carry the ball. He’s a big midfielder but he’s comfortable running with possession, and that can be a huge weapon when Liverpool are trying to break through a press.
I’d rather see him doing that than spending 90 minutes trying to be something he’s not.
The midfield has also changed around him.
Mac Allister is looking more influential again, while Szoboszlai remains an important part of Iraola’s plans. Liverpool have other options too, which means Gravenberch can’t simply assume he’ll start.
He has to earn it.
And that’s probably fair.
Iraola’s Liverpool is supposed to be an intense team. Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have both spoken about the demands of the new manager and the intensity of his training.
That could actually help Gravenberch.
If Iraola can get him fitter, sharper and more aggressive, while also giving him the freedom to use his ability on the ball, we could see a very different player.
I’m not expecting miracles.
And I’m certainly not going to pretend everything has been fine.
Gravenberch has had some poor games. There have been periods when he’s been too quiet and hasn’t influenced matches enough.
But I don’t think we should forget what happened before.
One season doesn’t suddenly become a fluke because the following season wasn’t as good.
Liverpool saw enough in Gravenberch to make a huge commitment to him.
Now Iraola has to justify that faith.
And that’s what makes him one of the players I’m watching most closely.
If Gravenberch gets back to the level we saw during Liverpool’s title-winning season, it could change the look of the midfield.
A player who can win the ball, carry it 20 or 30 yards and break lines gives Liverpool something different.
The ability is there.
We’ve already seen it.
The question is whether Iraola can get it out of him consistently.
Because if he can, Liverpool might not need another midfielder nearly as badly as some people think.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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