Liverpool legend claims midfield star has ‘disappeared’ after alarming drop-off | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Conundrum Deepens as Gravenberch Faces Scrutiny

Growing Concerns After Nottingham Forest Defeat

Liverpool’s season reached another alarming low with the heavy defeat at Anfield to Nottingham Forest, a result that stripped away any remaining illusions about the state of their campaign. The fixture had been framed as an ideal reset, a moment to gather momentum again after weeks of turbulence. Instead, Liverpool were exposed in ways that underline deeper issues in the squad and, crucially, in the individual performances of players once considered cornerstones.

Arne Slot’s future has become an unavoidable talking point, understandable given the club’s rapid slide. Yet the players must also take ownership, and among those under the microscope, Ryan Gravenberch has become a defining case study.

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch’s Dramatic Drop in Influence

Last season’s Young Player of the Season seemed to represent the next great midfield evolution for Liverpool. His composure, intelligence and timing across the 2024 to 2025 title winning campaign made him appear indispensable. This year, that clarity has faded. Injuries and positional shifts have played their part, but the extent of the decline is impossible to ignore.

Liverpool have looked far too easy to play through, far too vulnerable when possession breaks down and far too disjointed in midfield. These flaws inevitably bring attention to the deepest lying midfielder, and Gravenberch can no longer avoid the spotlight.

Steve Nicol’s assessment on ESPN FC captured the mood with disarming bluntness. “There’s one guy who I think has escaped criticism so far: Gravenberch,” he said. Nicol added, “This is a guy who no question after Salah and maybe Van Dijk was Liverpool’s best player last year. He was in the right place all the time, he made great decisions, he started attacks.”

The reflection on his current form was even sharper. “His main job is to be that block, that guy in front of the back four that orders the other two around, lets them go forward when they can and fills in behind. He’s done none of that this year. He is another one who, as fantastic as he was last year, has completely disappeared again.”

It is rare for a player once so consistent to be described as having “completely disappeared again,” but the accuracy is difficult to challenge.

Midfield Rhythm and Responsibility

Gravenberch’s rhythm has stalled compared to last season, but Liverpool’s tactical instability has not helped. Slot’s side have been repeatedly stretched and exposed, creating a disjointed defensive screen that demands leadership from midfield. At 23, Gravenberch remains young, but his position carries weight, influence and responsibility.

Liverpool’s problems cannot be pinned solely on him, but his form acts as a barometer. When Gravenberch plays with conviction, Liverpool’s structure sharpens. When he is hesitant or out of sync, the team becomes porous and predictable. The pattern has been clear throughout this difficult spell.

Repeatedly shifting him to centre half, as seen again against Nottingham Forest, has further damaged continuity. The reshuffling speaks to the wider upheaval within the squad.

Photo IMAGO

Path Forward for Liverpool’s Revival

For Liverpool to recover any sense of momentum, their midfield must stabilise. Gravenberch remains central to that process. His combination of physical presence, technical poise and positional awareness can still anchor this team if rediscovered. Slot’s rebuild must begin with the fundamentals, and that foundation starts with re-establishing the control Liverpool once enjoyed in this part of the pitch.

Reviving Gravenberch’s form is not a luxury. It is essential. He does not need to return to last season’s levels immediately, but he must rediscover the timing, energy and leadership that made him so important to Liverpool’s title triumph.

Liverpool’s season remains salvageable, but only if key figures stand tall again. Gravenberch is one of those figures, and the club’s revival may depend on how quickly he rises to the moment.