This Premier League season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for Liverpool. After a challenging end to the last campaign and the emotional departure of Jurgen Klopp, fans were eager for a fresh start. Stepping into Klopp’s considerable shoes was Arne Slot, and the Dutchman has not disappointed.
Slot introduced a new system that has gelled perfectly with Liverpool’s first-team squad. One standout beneficiary has been Ryan Gravenberch, who has quickly become one of the league’s most talked-about players.
Ryan Gravenberch vs Declan Rice: A Statistical Comparison
From the onset of the season, the spotlight was firmly on Gravenberch. After Liverpool’s unsuccessful pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, the pressure was on the 22-year-old to step up. And step up he did. Gravenberch’s performances have not only been impressive to the eye but also backed by statistics.
According to football analysis site Squawka, in nine different metrics relevant to a defensive midfielder, Gravenberch outshines Rice in seven. The Liverpool star excels in forward passes, tackles made, aerial duel success, duels won, ground duel success, interceptions, and ball recoveries. Rice only leads in long passes completed and long pass accuracy.
These metrics highlight Gravenberch’s all-around capabilities and his potential to be one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Positive Impact on Liverpool’s Midfield
While statistics don’t tell the whole story, they do indicate just how well Gravenberch has been performing. Former France defender Frank Leboeuf described Liverpool’s midfield as a ‘masterpiece’ this season, with Gravenberch playing a central role.
Liverpool fans were initially disappointed when the club didn’t sign Declan Rice, who ended up at Arsenal for a whopping £105 million. However, Gravenberch’s admirable form suggests he could be just as good, if not better, than Rice, at a fraction of the cost. While it’s still early in the season, the signs are incredibly positive.
All in all, Gravenberch’s impact at Liverpool is a testament to the young player’s talents and Arne Slot’s managerial acumen. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how this comparison with Declan Rice develops.
