Gravenberch: How Mac Allister Fuels Liverpool’s Midfield Shift

Ryan Gravenberch’s burgeoning partnership with Curtis Jones isn’t just fueling his goalscoring form – it’s a tactical shift for Liverpool that’s quietly solidifying their midfield and driving their push for a second consecutive top-four finish. The Dutchman’s recent performances, culminating in the opener against Wolves, highlight a growing synergy that’s proving vital as Liverpool navigate a congested Premier League schedule and contend with injuries to key personnel.

Last season, Gravenberch struggled to consistently impact games, often overshadowed by the established midfield trio. His arrival at Anfield was met with high expectations, but integrating into Klopp’s demanding system proved challenging. The shift to partnering with Jones, however, appears to be unlocking his potential. Jones’ willingness to drive forward with the ball draws defenders, creating space for Gravenberch to exploit, and his secure passing allows the former Bayern Munich man to focus on more attacking runs. This contrasts with the more static partnership with Alexis Mac Allister, which, while effective, offered a different profile.

Gravenberch’s comments about Jones’ comfort on the ball are particularly telling. In a league increasingly focused on pressing and quick transitions, a midfielder capable of retaining possession under pressure is invaluable. Jones provides that stability, allowing Liverpool to build attacks more effectively and control the tempo of games. The Wolves match, while ultimately a hard-fought victory, underscored this point – Liverpool dominated possession for large stretches, and Gravenberch’s goal was a direct result of this sustained pressure.

However, Gravenberch also acknowledged the need for improvement in game management, particularly in the second half against Wolves when Liverpool allowed their opponents back into the contest. This highlights a broader issue for Klopp’s side: maintaining intensity and focus for the full 90 minutes.

The Forward Look: The key question now is whether this partnership can be sustained. With Liverpool facing a challenging run of fixtures, including upcoming clashes against title rivals, maintaining midfield stability will be crucial. The return of key players from injury, such as Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic, will present Klopp with further selection dilemmas. However, given their recent form, it’s likely we’ll see more of Gravenberch and Jones together at the base of midfield. Furthermore, Liverpool’s scouting department will be closely monitoring this dynamic, potentially informing future transfer decisions – a dedicated, ball-playing defensive midfielder might not be as high a priority if Jones and Gravenberch continue to flourish. Expect to see Klopp actively manage their workload to ensure both players remain fresh and effective as Liverpool push for silverware on multiple fronts.