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Ryan Gravenberch’s outstanding 2024/25 campaign ended badly after he received a straight red card in the final matchday against Crystal Palace, although it’s a small stain relative to his Premier League-winning performances at the base of midfield.

After making just 14 league starts in 2023/24 following his €40 million move from Bayern Munich, the midfielder became indispensable in Liverpool’s system.

Redeployed as a deep-lying midfielder under Arne Slot, the Dutchman started 37 of 38 league matches and earned the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.

But he had a rare off day against the Eagles.

In the 68th minute, with Palace leading 1-0, the midfielder miscontrolled a looping clearance and collided with Daichi Kamada 40 yards from goal.

Referee Darren England deemed the challenge a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), issuing a straight red card after VAR confirmation.

Per Premier League disciplinary protocols, straight red cards for DOGSO incur a one-match ban unless appealed.

Liverpool confirmed they will not challenge the decision, meaning Gravenberch will miss their 2025/26 opener on August 16/17.

However, he remains eligible for the Community Shield against Palace on August 9, as the fixture falls outside league jurisdiction

The suspended match will be Liverpool’s first Premier League outing, with fixtures announced on June 18 at 09:00 BST

While it’s not the end of the world that Gravenberch misses the opening game of next season, it’s more frustrating on a personal note for the 23-year-old.

It remains to be seen what Liverpool do for the No.6 signing this summer, and if a new arrival performs well in Gravenberch’s place – the Dutch international may have a fight on his hands to get back in the team.

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