Did the Netherlands show Andoni Iraola how to optimize Ryan Gravenberch?

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In Slot’s first season we saw him play to the highest of levels in that new role and he looked to have solved Liverpool's long running problem in the position. Does this lead Andoni Iraola to transforming Gravenberch again, back into the role he has played most of his career and where he impressed during the World Cup.Can Iraola look to this performance for inspiration?As Liverpool fans, we have been thinking if this role he played could translate over into his club career.

Another underrated aspect of his game that was on full show was his ability to progress the ball with the ball at his feet but also finding quick and accurate passes.Very few are as naturally gifted as Gravenberch when it comes to his technical abilities, but he also has underrated athletic abilities that people around the world would be jealous of. Standing at 6 ft 3 in, having an engine that can keep him going for a full 90 and surprisingly quick, he has natural tools that Iraola can mould and improve suit his mudfield down to a tee.Netherlands v Japan: Group F - FIFA World Cup 2026 | BSR Agency/GettyImagesAs a new signing it was expected that Gravenberch would be this more box-to-box player and provide a lot of attacking intent and show off his ball playing, progression and flair.

In his days at Ajax, both at youth and pro level, this was the type of player he was, extremely powerful on the ball and technically fantastic.Liverpool optionsJust weeks into the summer we have already heard about Liverpool’s interest in multiple midfielders and the role that has been linked the most are those who play in the defensive midfield role, finally looking to replace Fabinho with a like-for-like. Gravenberch will be at the top of the list I would assume, he has shown the elite levels he can reach, and this is his more natural role that fully suits his playstyle.The potential for Szoboszlai to play in the 10 with Wirtz out on the left gives Iraola more flexibility for Gravenberch to become the starter in the number eight role.In my opinion I think that Gravenberch will be an ideal candidate for this role in the midfield two, and for him personally, this would be the best way for him to maximize his potential but depending on how Iraola sees Szoboszlai playing it may be a battle for Gravenberch to cement that role as his own.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow