Liverpool are chasing Mainoo-like rivals Gravenberch
If Liverpool we hope to challenge for the biggest trophies throughout what could be a long and exciting period Arne Slott era, will have to keep busy in the transfer market this year.
Six points advantage at the top Premier League (with a game in hand), Liverpool are in a perfect position to lift the top league trophy this year, especially with players like Ryan Gravenberch playing with such fervor and ferocity.
When the summer transfer window slammed shut, Reds fans were worried FSGLack of activity, with Federico Chiesa the only signing this summer.
Where was the defensive midfielder? What about the back line? Such concerns had substance, but Liverpool held on through a mixture of Sloto’s tactics and the revival of players such as Gravenberch, who has been one of Europe’s standout midfielders this term after sitting on the fringes under Jurgen Kloppmanagement.
He has started every one of Liverpool’s Premier League games and Champions League however, there is a risk of burning. He needs competition.
Why Ryan Gravenberch needs competition
When Liverpool signed Gravenberch from Bayern Munich for a fee of £34m in August 2023is recognized as an opportunity to develop one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe. However, there was a warning that he was flattering to cheat in Germany.
Ryan Gravenberch in the Premier League |
||
---|---|---|
Match statistics* |
23/24 |
24/25 |
Matches (starts) |
26 (12) |
19 (19) |
Objectives |
1 |
0 |
Assists |
0 |
2 |
touch* |
28.8 |
71.5 |
Completion of passage |
83% |
90% |
Key Passes* |
0.6 |
0.8 |
Dribbling (success)* |
0.9 (51%) |
1.0 (58%) |
Ball recovery* |
2.8 |
5.1 |
Tackles + interceptions* |
1.5 |
3.7 |
Total matches (won)* |
2.8 (47%) |
5.3 (58%) |
Statistics via Sofascore (* = per match) |
As you can see above, his tenure under Klopp’s wing has been one of ebb and flow, with flashes of quality displayed through his multi-functional performances. However, there was much to work on, there was still much to be desired.
Now he is thriving as one of Europe’s most impressive stars. It is safe to say that Liverpool would not cut the peak of the 2024/25 season in half. that he failed to adapt to the number six role after Hughes failed to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Wataru Endo remains a diligent and loyal servant, but it’s clear that Slot doesn’t favor him as a starting option. Gravenberch needs competition, and Liverpool may just be about to provide it, preventing burnout and pushing the midfield dynamic even further forward.
Liverpool are hunting midfielder Prem
BBC Sport reported the news that Liverpool is interested in signing the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomeswhose sharp fighting style could be the perfect counterpoint to Gravenberch’s approach.
The Brazilian star has previously estimated at £50 million but it would be worth every penny, especially when you consider the extra dimension it would equip Liverpool’s engine room with.
Wolves are unlikely to sell their midfielder midway through a relegation-threatened campaign, but if Liverpool lay the foundations now, there’s every chance he could be wearing the red shirt by the start of next season.
Why Liverpool want Joao Gomes
Endo will do for now, but the fact remains that Liverpool need more in the middle to ensure Gravenberch doesn’t fall into the ground.
Wolves signed Gomes from brasileiro Serie A club Flamengo in January 2023. for an estimated £15 millionsince making 70 appearances and recording eight goal contributions.
According to SofascoreThe 23-year-old has completed 85% of his passes in the Premier League this season, averaging a staggering 3.2 tackles and 5.8 tackles per game. He has found form under recently sacked boss Gary O’Neill but is expected to play a prominent role during the busy months of his tenure under Vitor Pereira.
Perhaps most interestingly, Gomes is considered a similar player to Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, according to FBref – wouldn’t it be a pleasure to encourage the talents of such a midfielder, who could actually surpass the star of the Red Devils?
Premier League 24/25 – Kobbie Mainoo vs Joao Gomes |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (at 90) |
||
Objectives |
0.00 |
0.11 |
Assists |
0.00 |
0.06 |
Actions to create a shot |
1.97 |
1.68 |
Completion of passage |
86.6% |
84.2% |
Passes attempted |
48.4 |
47.3 |
Progressive additions |
3.93 |
5.37 |
Progressive mounts |
1.31 |
1.74 |
Successful downloads |
1.64 |
0.73 |
Ball recovery |
5.08 |
5.54 |
Addresses + interceptions |
4.02 |
4.20 |
Statistics via FBref |
Mainoo is not a defensive midfielder, instead relying on his eagle vision and uncanny intelligence to outplay his positional rivals and impress despite his troubles at Old Trafford of late.
You could say the same about Gravenberch, whose qualities are built into Sloto’s design this term.
In a similar vein, Gomes is a combative central presence, has a powerful shot, but he is also a cultured and energetic player, seemingly endowed with the right attributes to slot straight into Liverpool’s starting line-up.
It would be a surefire way for Liverpool to continue firing on all cylinders next season, giving Gravenberch some respite from the endless football he’s played under his compatriot while keeping the general flow of Liverpool’s squad intact, although with some subtle differences it would actually serve Sloto well. tactical mind.
Hailed as a “warrior” and a “unique player” for his talent scout Jacek KuligGomes would be the perfect addition to a Liverpool team that is only improving under Sloto.
If the Dutch coach has a flaw, it would be his reluctance to regularly change the starting line-up he trusts. Endo is reliable in the right circumstances, but Gomes could bring something of a Japanese punch as he promotes ball play and technical play.
Liverpool have to do it, bringing in this talent in the style of Mainoo.