Ryan Gravenberch has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents, blending technical excellence with physical dominance.

Traditionally deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, the Dutchman has recently been transforming Liverpool FC, one that could see him evolve into a deep-lying playmaker or a defensive midfielder, often referred to as a ‘number 6’.

Academy Dreams to the Big Stage

Gravenberch joined Ajax’s famed youth academy, De Toekomst, at the age of eight and quickly established himself as one of the most promising talents in the system.

In 2018, at just 16 years old, he became the youngest-ever player to feature for Jong Ajax in the Eerste Divisie.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch share Pep Guardiola inside joke	Ryan Gravenberch aims subtle dig at Pep Guardiola after Liverpool beat Man City	Ryan Gravenberch can't resist cheeky dig at Pep Guardiola after Liverpool swept Man City aside

Later that year, he made history again by becoming the youngest debutant in Ajax’s Eredivisie history.

Gravenberch’s development at Ajax was marked by his elegant style of play, intelligent positioning, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game, making him a standout prospect and eventually earning him a place in the senior squad.

Johan Cruyff’s Football Philosophy

Ryan Gravenberch embodies many principles of Johan Cruyff’s football philosophy, blending technical elegance with tactical intelligence.

His ball progression, dribbling ability, and capacity to break lines with incisive passes made him a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s system.

A product of Ajax’s renowned youth academy, he became a regular starter in the 2020-21 season, playing a crucial role in the team’s Eredivisie and KNVB Cup triumphs.

Gravenberch excelled as a deep-lying playmaker, combining physical presence with technical elegance, progressive passing, and ball-carrying ability.

Intelligence in possession and the ability to dictate play made Gravenberch integral to Ten Hag’s high-intensity style of play.

Gravenberch’s time at Bayern Munich was a challenging period marked by limited opportunities despite his undeniable talent.

After joining from Ajax in the summer of 2022, he struggled to secure regular starts under Julian Nagelsmann and later Thomas
Tuchel, often finding himself behind more experienced midfielders in the pecking order.

While he showed snippets of his potential in the Bundesliga and cup appearances, his lack of consistent game time made it difficult for him to fully adapt to Bayern’s system.

His time at Bayern highlighted the need for a system that maximises his strengths, ultimately leading to speculation about his future elsewhere.

As Gravenberch has matured, clubs have increasingly experimented with his positioning, recognising his potential as a controlling presence in the middle of the park.

From Bayern Munich to Liverpool, Gravenberch has had to adapt to different tactical demands.

With Liverpool in particular, the need for a long-term successor to Fabinho in the number 6 role has prompted discussions about whether Gravenberch could fill that
void.

Why Gravenberch Fits the Number 6 Role

Physical Presence – Gravenberch possesses the stature needed for a defensive midfielder.

His long strides allow him to cover ground quickly, and his strength makes him difficult to dispossess in duels.

Ball Retention and Press Resistance – One of Gravenberch’s standout qualities is his ability to receive the ball under pressure and glide past opponents.

This is crucial for a number 6, especially in teams that build from the back.

Passing Range and Vision – While primarily known for his dribbling, Gravenberch has the vision and passing ability to dictate tempo from deep.

His progressive passing could allow him to function as a deep-lying playmaker, much like Rodri or Frenkie de Jong.

Ryan Gravenberch.

8 position, Gravenberch embraced the transition to a more defensive role, demonstrating adaptability and commitment.

This strategic shift has not only bolstered Liverpool’s midfield stability but also underscored Gravenberch’s potential to excel in the No

6 position.

Ryan Gravenberch’s evolution into a number 6 isn’t guaranteed, but his technical ability, physical traits, and adaptability make it a viable path.

If he can develop his defensive game as he has shown this season so far for Liverpool, he has the potential to become one of Europe’s most complete midfielders.

For now, his best role remains a subject of debate, but one thing is clear, Gravenberch is a talent worth shaping, and his next steps could define his career trajectory.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone