Ryan Gravenberch has shed light on Virgil van Dijk’s influence in helping him transition to a number six role at Liverpool.
Gravenberch has solidified his position as the team’s first-choice defensive midfielder this season, capitalising on his opportunity after the club’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi fell through during the summer transfer window.
Playing under new head coach Arne Slot, the 22-year-old has experienced a resurgence in his career at Anfield.
Previously known for his more attacking contributions, Gravenberch’s shift to a deeper role has required significant adaptation.
Despite the challenges, he has embraced the position with impressive composure and effectiveness.
Slot’s vision for Gravenberch was made clear early on, with the manager outlining his intention to deploy him in a deeper-lying midfield role.
Gravenberch recently shared how Van Dijk, his Netherlands teammate and captain, plays a crucial part in his development by offering guidance and reminding him to maintain positional discipline.
While Van Dijk’s calls to “rein him in” were frequent at first, Gravenberch noted that such instances have become increasingly rare as he grows more comfortable in his new role.
The evolving dynamic between Ryan Gravenberch and Van Dijk highlights the collaborative spirit within Liverpool’s squad, which has been vital to their success this season.
Gravenberch’s ability to adapt and thrive in a defensive midfield position is a testament to both his talent and the mentorship he receives from experienced teammates like Van Dijk.
“I have indeed started playing more defensively,” Gravenberch told Soccer News.
“Last year, I went forward more often, but now I have to think more defensively. That change happened quite quickly.
“I have Virgil behind me to help me. If I go forward too much, he calls me back. ‘Rio, stay here!’ I notice that he has to call less and less often and that I focus more on defending. In attack, I try to read the game. That often works well.”
Gravenberch continued: “The coach called all the players for a talk. After the European Championship he called me to tell him how he saw me.
“He knew me from my time at Ajax, of course, when he was at AZ and Feyenoord.
“He told me what position he wanted to use me in and he put me at six. I went into it with an open mind. I played a lot at eight and when I was younger also at six.
“That helps, but now other things are being asked of me. In the youth I could go forward. Back then there was no Virgil who called me back!”
“I did not play much at Bayern, but I always knew that I would come out on top,” he said. “I became stronger because of that period.
“It was sometimes mentally tough, but I learned a lot from it. It is an experience that I still benefit from today.
“I made my first big transfer and then you think that it would be the same there, but it went completely differently. Fortunately, I lived with my parents in Munich. We had a lot of conversations and they kept me calm.
“Now I can put it behind me. It’s great that I’m playing a lot of minutes as a starter at Liverpool again.
“I am happy of course. It feels good. I just try to do my thing every game. Of course it is nice when everyone praises you, but I have to make sure I am there every game. Hopefully I can continue like this.”
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