Ryan Babel claims Ryan Gravenberch has an ability that Liverpool aren't utilising right now
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Ryan Gravenberch has been a star under Arne Slot, but Liverpool might still be holding him back.The Reds have made some pretty impressive signings over the years, but not many have been as astute as Gravenberch, even if he took some time to get up to speed.Under Jurgen Klopp, he was a bit-part player who rarely got many opportunities, whereas now, Liverpool cannot go a game without him.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Moving him back into a holding midfielder role was one of the best decisions Slot has made, with the 23-year-old taking his game to another level.However, fellow Dutchman Ryan Babel believes he still has the potential to go even higher, but Liverpool will need to start utilising him correctly.Ryan Babel believes Liverpool could benefit from playing Ryan Gravenberch further forwardGravenberch is not a typical holding midfielder as it is clear that he has played further forward in the past.He loved to run with the ball and is an excellent dribbler, with it being clear as to why he was more of a number eight at his previous clubs.Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty ImagesWith that said, although he is excellent as a defensive midfielder, Babel says he knows that Gravenberch is an excellent goalscorer too, suggesting that playing him further forward could bring the best out in him.
He was scoring from outside the box.“He has that ability. So right now, what you see, he doesn’t score as many because he played a different kind of role.
“But I believe if he can play in a position, one should give him a ball outside the box where it’s free to hit.”Liverpool could benefit from signing a holding midfielder Gut feeling, has Mohamed Salah played his last game for Liverpool? Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say If this is the case and playing Gravenberch further forward could help massively, then signing someone like Adam Wharton could be on the cards.Liverpool will need a protector and someone who is comfortable on the ball, and there is no one better right now than the Crystal Palace star.He is wanted by a lot of teams and would cost a lot of money, but the balance of the midfield might be just right if he is added to the mix.This will give Gravenberch a more free role, enabling him to get forward and maximising his attacking talent that he is unable to show right now.