Ryan Gravenberch
LIV
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
May 16, 2002 (24)
Right
6'3"
183 lb
Busy defensively
Gravenberch registered three tackles (one won), four clearances and one interception in Sunday's 2-0 victory against Brighton.
Analysis: Gravenberch had everything to do defensively throughout Sunday's clash. He was tasked with shutting down wave-after-wave of attacks and he did just that throughout the match. The midfielder was a threat every single time he got on the ball as well, though most of his work came in shutting down Brighton threats.
No longer suspended
Gravenbarch served his one-game suspension in the Premier League and will be available moving forward.
Analysis: Gravenberch didn't play in the 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday, but now he's ready to be back in the mix at the domestic level. That means the Dutch midfielder can return to his regular role in midfield when the Reds take on Brighton next Sunday, Oct. 25, at Anfield Road. Gravenberch should be a lock in midfield now that he's available again, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring) expected to be out "for some time."
Sent off Sunday
Gravenberch was shown a red card in the 62nd minute of Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Gravenberch was having a solid day in the midfield ahead of a harsh call Sunday, notching two chances created, two shots on target and four completed dribbles, a true maestro for the club in the middle. However, his day would come to a shocking end in the 62nd minute, receiving a second yellow after a first in the 47th minute on what will go down as a wrongful decision for many spectators. Unfortunately for the Reds, this will leave them without the midfielder when facing Brentford on Saturday as well. The hope will be that Dominik Szoboszlai (hamstring) will recover in time for that match; otherwise, Waturu Endo or Trey Nyoni could be in for their first starts of the season.
Drops out of starting midfield
Gravenberch has moved into a reduced role after beginning the season as a starter, making five Premier League appearances, including two starts.
Analysis: Gravenberch has lost ground in the midfield hierarchy, with coach Andoni Iraola recently preferring Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in the deeper midfield roles. Gravenberch has supplied one assist and three chances created while adding four tackles, three interceptions and six clearances across five league appearances. He should remain part of the midfield rotation, but competition for places could continue to limit his starts.
Struggles in draw
Gravenberch registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Analysis: Gravenberch was shown some faith Saturday, as he was included in the starting XI, but he disappointed. He's simply been unable to get on the same page as the team around him, often losing the ball in frustrating ways. That has been shown in manager Andoni Iraola too, who seemingly has lost some trust in Gravenberch, with Alexis Mac Allister preferred in the same role.
Comes off bench for third straight
Gravenberch has made three straight appearances off the bench and has not started since the league opener, a sharp decline in his role under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Analysis: Gravenberch started the season in the side but has since been reduced to three straight appearances off the bench under Andoni Iraola. That is a sharp fall for a midfielder who made 34 and 37 league starts in the last two campaigns and was central to almost everything Liverpool did under Arne Slot. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have taken over as the double pivot, and the Dutchman may need a shift in form elsewhere before he wins his place back. A crowded run of league and Champions League fixtures could still bring him the odd start even if he is not the preferred choice at the moment.
Assists in draw
Gravenberch assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Gravenberch set up Cody Gakpo during Sunday's draw, making the most of his lone chance created. It wasn't a totally flawless performance, as Gravenberch's giveaway in the first half led to the opening goal. Gravenberch will hope to get back to his best as a key part of Liverpool's midfield under new boss Andoni Iraola.
Plays in friendly
Gravenberch subbed on for the second half of an unofficial contest versus Leeds United on Sunday, after which manager Andoni Iraola mentioned that "Obviously Florian and Alex, because they were playing in the first half, they had an easier game or a better game. Ryan, it was costly for him".
Analysis: Gravenberch will be available in time for the next season after joining the squad late due to his extensive participation at the World Cup. The midfielder was a consistent contributor of passes and tackles last year, and he did valuable work around the field, notching six goals and six assists across 50 matches played in all competitions. After that, he delivered a pair of assists for the Netherlands, with both of them coming in the first of his four appearances in the international tournament. He's expected to retain a starting spot for his club in the early weeks of the season.
Set to feature vs. Leeds
Gravenberch is set to feature in Sunday's friendly against Leeds United after joining Liverpool's US training camp last weekend, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "With Florian, Ryan and Alex, they've been the ones arriving late. My idea is that the three of them will play the last game against Leeds. Probably we'll have to restrict their minutes"
Analysis: Gravenberch's minutes are expected to be limited given his later arrival compared to teammates who have had two extra weeks of training. His range of passing and ability to break lines from deep midfield make him an important piece once fully up to speed. Gravenberch is expected to see his workload increase over the next three weeks as the season approaches.
Ready for preseason
Gravenberch is ready for preseason with Liverpool and will get minutes in Sunday's friendly against Leeds United, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "Yes, my idea is for Ryan, for Florian, for Alex, for even Jeremy to have their first minutes against Leeds, we'll see how many minutes they can play but we have to start slowly, slowly integrating more of the senior players that have had less training sessions, I think they should be ready on the weekend to have their first minutes."
Analysis: Gravenberch closed out the World Cup having contributed two assists from two created chances, featuring in all four Dutch midfield starts before Morocco eliminated the Netherlands on penalties. Sunday's likely appearance against Leeds United will represent his first step back into team activity following his post-tournament rest, with his minutes expected to increase gradually in the weeks ahead as Liverpool ramps up preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Quiet in loss
Gravenberch recorded two shots (zero on goal) in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout loss versus Morocco.
Analysis: Gravenberch was not too active outside of his defensive work on Monday, as the midfielder was constantly marked or challenged immediately after receiving the ball with only two true midfielders in the formation. He would record two shots and an interception, with his day easy explained after only completing 18 passes in the middle. The Liverpool player ended the 2026 World Cup with two assists on two chances created, starting in all four games in the middle for the Netherlands.
Workmanlike showing versus Tunisia
Gravenberch registered two shots (zero on goal), two interceptions and one cross (zero accurate) and recorded one tackle (zero won) in Thursday's 3-1 victory against Tunisia.
Analysis: Gravenberch played in a supportive role next to Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders, putting together a well-rounded stat line despite not being particularly flashy or shining in any particular area. He has started in every game, putting up at least one cross in all of them, totaling four (one accurate) and registering two shots (zero on target), four tackles (one won) and five interceptions over that span.
Key presence in midfield
Gravenberch generated one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 5-1 victory against Sweden.
Analysis: Gravenberch delivered another commanding box-to-box display in Saturday's 5-1 win over Sweden, registering three interceptions, one cross and one shot from his central midfield role as the Netherlands dominated the game across 90 minutes with 48 percent possession but clinical efficiency on the counter. The Liverpool midfielder was the defensive spine of the Dutch midfield, breaking up Swedish attacks before they developed and immediately transitioning into forward movements that stretched Sweden's backline, completing 26 passes and covering more ground than any other Dutch player. Having produced two assists in the Japan draw and another commanding performance against Sweden, Gravenberch heads into the knockout rounds as arguably one of the tournament's standout midfielders, combining defensive awareness with progressive ball-carrying to give the Netherlands a player capable of dominating games at the highest level.
Delivers two assists
Gravenberch assisted twice to go with two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Japan.
Analysis: Gravenberch was the standout performer in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, delivering the assist for both Dutch goals, first finding Virgil van Dijk arriving at the back post for the opening goal in the second half, then slipping Crysencio Summerville in behind the Japanese backline moments after Japan had leveled, while also registering two crosses, two chances created and a commanding presence across all three phases of the game. The Liverpool midfielder covered every blade of grass in a box-to-box role that saw him dominate the midfield battle, breaking up Japanese transitions and immediately releasing teammates with quality passes in tight spaces throughout his 81 minutes before being replaced by Nathan Ake.
Set for standout World Cup
Gravenberch has been named in Ronald Koeman's squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to play a key role in the Netherlands' midfield.
Analysis: Gravenberch delivered his most complete season to date with Liverpool FC, contributing six goals and six assists alongside an impressive 76 tackles and 74 interceptions across 50 appearances, including 47 starts in all competitions. The numbers mark a clear step forward from previous campaigns, with the Dutch midfielder establishing himself as one of the most well-rounded box-to-box options in the Premier League and showcasing the defensive solidity and attacking output long expected since his arrival at the club. His ability to cover ground, win the ball back and transition quickly into attack makes him one of the most complete midfield profiles in coach Ronald Koeman's squad. At international level, Gravenberch is part of what is shaping up to be one of the most balanced and talented midfield trios at the tournament alongside Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders. His box-to-box energy and defensive output provide the engine room with the intensity and work rate needed to complement the more technical profiles around him. A full season of consistent starts at Liverpool has given him the confidence and rhythm to perform at his best when it matters most, making him one of the more reliable midfield options the Netherlands will rely on this summer.
Scores curler
Gravenberch scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Gravenberch scored a brilliant goal from the edge of the box, turning and curling beautifully into the top corner. It was an incredible goal from the holding midfielder, who doesn't tend to be a major offensive threat. In the end the goal wasn't enough for the win and Gravenberch was left disappointing with another awful showing from the team.
Nets rare goal
Gravenberch scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 4-0 victory against Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gravenberch scored after a deflection bounced his way and left him an open goal to aim for. The defensive midfielder was brilliant throughout the match and was involved in large parts of the game going both ways. Gravenberch has struggled at times this season, and has limited upside against top opponents, but he's still clearly talented.
Inks contract extension
Gravenberch signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool FC until the end of the 2031-32 season, the club announced.
Analysis: Gravenberch arrived at Liverpool from Bayern in September 2023 and has since locked himself in as a key piece of coach Arne Slot's system. The 23-year-old has already racked up 123 appearances, scoring eight goals along the way while playing an important role in the club's Carabao Cup triumph in 2024 and last season's Premier League title run.
Adds assist in win
Gravenberch assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and three chances created in Saturday's 5-2 win versus West Ham United.
Analysis: Gravenberch provided one assist during Saturday's win. The defensive midfielder could have had a few more assists as he got to join the attack consistently and link up with the attackers throughout the match. It was an excellent showing from Gravenberch, who has been the most important part of the midfield throughout the campaign.
Busy defensively
Gravenberch recorded one tackle (zero won), two clearances and four interceptions in Sunday's 1-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Gravenberch only really impacted Sunday's clash with his defensive involvements. The defensive midfielder likes to get forward, but he was largely limited throughout Sunday's clash. In the end he only managed defensive contributions on the way to the clean sheet and win.
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