Gravenberch: I want to be a Liverpool leader under Iraola

Ryan Gravenberch wants to emerge as more of a leader within Liverpool's dressing room in 2026-27, as they look to right the wrongs of a difficult 2025-26 campaign.

Andoni Iraola took charge of Liverpool for the first time last week as they beat Sunderland 4-2 in a pre-season friendly, having replaced Arne Slot after he was dismissed in May.

Slot had led the Reds to the Premier League title at the first attempt after succeeding Jurgen Klopp for 2024-25, but his second campaign at the helm was a tough one.

Liverpool stumbled to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, only securing Champions League qualification on the final matchday, despite an unprecedented £450m transfer outlay that saw them break the British transfer record twice in one summer.

Neither Alexander Isak nor Florian Wirtz had debut seasons to remember, while Hugo Ekitike – another big-money acquisition – suffered a serious Achilles injury in April and may not return until after Christmas.

Liverpool's 60 points in 2025-26 were the fewest by a side to finish fifth or higher in the Premier League since Tottenham in 2006-07 (also fifth with 60 points).

Their 24-point drop from the 2024-25 campaign was the largest by any team to be ever-present across those seasons, but Gravenberch is hoping for more in 2026-27.

In an interview with Liverpool's website ahead of Wednesday's friendly clash with Wrexham at Yankee Stadium, Gravenberch was asked if he felt ready to assume more responsibility.

"100%. It goes so quickly – it's my fourth season here already," the midfielder said.

"Of course, if I look back to last season, it was not the best season I have had, and I want to show myself this season, more and more. 

"I want to be more of a leader now for the team, I think. So that's what my aim is for this season.

"I'm young, but I've played a lot of games, also at the highest stage, so maybe I'm one of the more experienced players here.

"After last season, I think we didn't do a great job, so I think everyone has the feeling inside to show themselves and make it a better season this year."

Gravenberch made 50 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions last season, starting 47 times and racking up a total of 4,131 minutes.

He scored six goals and provided six assists while ranking fourth among all Reds players for passes attempted (2,514) and completed (2,230).