Ryan Gravenberch problem grows as Ruud Gullit questions midfield role

Ryan Gravenberch’s midfield role has come under further scrutiny after Ruud Gullit questioned whether the Liverpool midfielder can effectively operate alongside Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands.

Gravenberch has already faced questions over his place in Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool midfield this season. The 24-year-old has recently started on the bench against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, playing only nine minutes against the latter.

Alexis Mac Allister has emerged as a safer option in Liverpool’s midfield, while the combination of Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai has so far struggled to provide the balance Iraola is seeking.

Now, a similar discussion has emerged during the international break.

Gullit believes Gravenberch and Reijnders are struggling to complement one another in the Netherlands midfield.

Speaking on Rondo, with his comments relayed by Voetbal Primeur, the former Netherlands international argued that neither player currently looks comfortable.

“Gravenberch isn’t comfortable, and neither is Reijnders,” Gullit said.

“It just doesn’t click. In principle, he is the best and he has shown that. But he isn’t playing at the required level. And neither is Reijnders. It looks like they can’t play football together.”

The comments are notable because the concern is not necessarily about Gravenberch’s individual quality. Instead, Gullit is questioning whether the combination of two talented midfielders provides the required balance.

That creates a familiar issue for Gravenberch at club level.

Iraola is also trying to establish the right midfield structure behind Florian Wirtz, and Gravenberch’s reduced minutes suggest the Liverpool manager is still searching for his preferred combination.

The Dutchman’s situation therefore presents both his club and country with a similar challenge: finding a midfield role that allows his individual strengths to translate into a functioning unit.

It is too early to conclude that Gravenberch cannot establish himself in either setup. What is clear from his recent Liverpool selections and Gullit’s assessment, however, is that the balance around him remains an unresolved issue.

Gravenberch’s next opportunities for club and country will provide a clearer indication of how his managers intend to solve the issue.

For Liverpool, Iraola must decide which combination offers enough balance behind Wirtz as the season develops. Gravenberch will need to force his way back into that equation after his recent spell among the substitutes.

The Netherlands face a comparable decision with Gravenberch and Reijnders. Gullit’s criticism adds to the debate, but selection decisions from the coaching staff will ultimately show whether the partnership is given more time or whether a different midfield structure is preferred.