Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has impressed many this season, but club legend John Barnes believes the 22-year-old has not significantly improved as a player.
Barnes attributes Gravenberch’s good form more to the tactical system under manager Arne Slot than any individual development.
Ryan Gravenberch has been a standout performer for Liverpool this season, earning praise from fans and teammates alike for his performances.
The midfielder’s strong play against top Premier League sides, including Manchester United in the recent 2-2 draw at Anfield, has drawn attention.
Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United, noted how difficult it was to break through Liverpool’s midfield, singling out Gravenberch and Curtis Jones for their impressive ball transitions.
However, despite Gravenberch’s recent success, John Barnes is skeptical about the player’s growth. In an interview with Stadium Astro, Barnes explained that while Gravenberch has been one of Liverpool’s top performers, his improvement as a player is questionable.
Barnes believes that Gravenberch’s current form is more a result of the tactical setup under Arne Slot than any individual progress.
According to Barnes, the Dutch midfielder’s style of play is better suited to Slot’s slower, more possession-based approach than to Jurgen Klopp’s dynamic system, which often demanded more defensive work and pressing from midfielders.
Barnes added that Gravenberch’s role as a No. 6 in the current system, focusing on maintaining possession rather than winning tackles, suits him better than the roles he played under Klopp or at Bayern Munich.
While Gravenberch has shown technical quality and composure on the ball, Barnes argued that his tactical environment has allowed him to thrive, not necessarily his personal development as a player.
