Ryan Gravenberch is having a banner season so far. Despite the suspension rolling over from the end of last season, he’s appeared in almost every match, and scored twice, which is already two more than
last season. His usually steady and focused presence in the midfield has become one of the most important parts of this new Arne Slot system that Liverpool are working with this season.
Though they’re in the middle of a bumpy week with two losses on the bounce, Gravenberch spoke to the club website on Friday about how they’re preparing to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and how the start of the season has gone for him.
“Of course if a team like Liverpool loses two times in a row it’s not nice,” Gravenberch began.
“But I think we analysed it good and now Chelsea is waiting for us. So, we will prepare for Chelsea and try to do everything to win the game. Of course losing two times is not nice. But what I said, we will do everything to go for the win on Saturday, prepare well and give everything. That’s the only thing that you can do.
“Sometimes it falls your way and sometimes not. This time it was not but we still created a lot of chances – we don’t finish them but I know we will. And I know we will come out of this for sure.”
This squad are obviously no strangers to losing, and even lost early last season against Nottingham Forest, but the loss at the time was a catalyst for another great run of results through to December. Everyone, including the midfielder, will be hoping to replicate those results starting on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, at least before the next international break. The trip will be no cake walk, either, and Gravenberch made sure to point that out, despite the Blues sitting in 8th place.
“We know Chelsea has a really good team, really good players,” the midfielder said.
“I know it will be tough. It’s actually my first time playing at Stamford Bridge, I haven’t played there yet, so I’m really looking forward to it. We will prepare well.”
What will also be tough is Giorgi Mamardashvili taking over for the injured Alisson Becker for the first time in the Premier League. Alisson came off with an injury in the Champions League match against Galatasaray on Tuesday, with reports confirming a lengthy absence for the number one. Confidence is high within the squad that Mamardashvili is ready for the challenge, even with the loss of a talismanic member of the squad.
“We know Ali is a big loss because, for me, he’s the best ‘keeper in the world,” Gravenberch explained.
“But we know with Giorgi, he showed already what quality he has. Also in training he’s really good. I know he will do really good for us.
“I’m happy for him that he will make his Premier League debut and I’m really looking forward [to it] for him.”
There are still small things to celebrate within the squad as well, including Gravenberch’s two goals this season in his seven appearances. The midfielder didn’t score at all last season, so the two goals so early are hopefully a sign of better things to come, and indicative of where he is fitting in to this reworked setup.
“Last season I didn’t score, now I scored twice this season. The one against Everton was also a really nice goal. It’s nice to be nominated,” the Dutchman said.
“The principles are still the same, like last season. Now I have a little bit more freedom. I can go forward but the six needs to be occupied by someone else, someone needs to be there and then I can go forward.
“It’s nice to have the freedom to go a little bit forward. But if I go forward, [someone] has to cover for me. So, that changed this season.”
