Gravenberch tells Liverpool they can change January plans amid title charge

Ryan Gravenberch has told Liverpool there is no need to shop for a holding midfielder in the January transfer window because he is only going to get better in his new preferred role.

The Netherlands star has thrived in a deeper role under Arne Slot so far this season, starting every game in the Premier League and Champions League as the Reds open up an eight point gap at home and maintain a 100% record on the continental stage.

And Gravenberch is adamant that there remains huge room for improvement in his new preferred position - an area of the pitch Liverpool were determined to strengthen in the summer only for a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi to break down.

Speaking to the Men In Blazers podcast before the Reds host Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night, Gravenberch said: “When you come to Liverpool you always want to be a first XI, starting player.

“That was my aim this season. When [Slot] told me he sees me like a No.6, I’ve played there in that position before, so I knew what I had to do and what I had to improve. I’m happy I get the minutes now.

“I’ve played the position before and of course you have to adapt a little bit to the position, but I think it goes really well. I still keep improving and want to do better. I think it’s going really well, but I can also do better.”

Gravenberch arrived on Merseyside from Bayern Munich last September but was in and out of the team in Jurgen Klopp ’s final campaign in charge.

Yet he has become one of Slot’s most important players and the 22-year-old is definite he can give even more on and off the ball.

“My defensive things I can do better,” he said. “I always think [keeping] 100 per cent concentrated and also in possession maybe I can play more balls behind the defence and can maybe score as well or give an assist. I think that’s where I can improve.

“I see myself as a No6 because I played there and have to focus especially on this position this season. But so far, I am happy with it. It’s going well.

“Last season I played more than the season before and that was my aim, and this season it was the aim to play and become a starting XI player. I’m just happy I’m on the pitch again and show my quality.”