Ryan Gravenberch might have saved Liverpool a lot of money after an impressive show against Ipswich Town.
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Gravenberch started against Ipswich TownLiverpool lacking a quality pivotReds beat Ipswich Town 2-0WHAT HAPPENED?
Liverpool are searching for a pivot who can give the team the much needed solidity in the heart of their midfield. They came close to signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad earlier in the window, however, the Spaniard later rejected the offer and decided to stay back in La Liga.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
With less than 15 days left in the ongoing transfer window, the Reds could have been forced to pay a hefty transfer fee to bring in a quality No.6, however, they might have saved millions after Gravenberch delivered a stellar performance in his unusual defensive midfield role in the club's season opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID
Speaking to reporters about the German midfielder's performance, manager Arne Slot said, "Of course, Ryan is attacking minded but if we play with him [in defensive midfield] the rest of the team needs to help him as well. It takes a lot of effort from the attackers and the attacking midfielders to help him there. But what we do know with Ryan is that he can play the ball forward if he sees options to do so. So, that helped us today, especially in the second half."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
After registering three points in their first match of the season, the Merseyside club will be back in action on August 25 as they take on Brentford in the Premier League.