Jan Molby Highlights Liverpool Midfield Star’s Technical Excellence | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch’s Impact at Liverpool: Jan Mølby’s Insight

Liverpool’s midfield has seen some exciting additions in recent years, but few have made an impression quite like Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman’s talent has been evident, and in the latest Molby On The Spot podcast from Anfield Index, Jan Mølby shared his expert view on the 21-year-old’s qualities. Speaking with host Trev Downey, the Liverpool legend dissected Gravenberch’s playing style, his Ajax roots, and his adaptation to the demands of English football.

Gravenberch’s Ajax Education

As a former Ajax player himself, Mølby is well placed to analyse how Gravenberch’s upbringing at the Dutch club has shaped him. While the Ajax philosophy might not be as distinctive today as it once was, Mølby still sees elements of it in Liverpool’s No. 38.

“You can still see Ryan Gravenberch’s thing about being able to take the ball on the half turn, that ability to accelerate away, being aware of space,” Mølby explained. “That’s the one thing I like about Ryan Gravenberch—he’s aware of space. He’s aware where to move into with or without the ball.”

This intelligence on the pitch has been one of Gravenberch’s standout traits at Liverpool. His ability to control the tempo and dictate play is reminiscent of classic Ajax midfielders.

Strengths and Adaptation to Liverpool

Gravenberch has shown flashes of brilliance in a Liverpool shirt, with his technical quality standing out in key moments. Mølby highlighted how he excels in tight spaces, a skill that is crucial in the Premier League’s high-intensity environment.

“It’s that ability to be equally strong on your right and your left, being able to receive the ball in tight spaces and then have that ability to turn away from trouble,” Mølby said. He even drew comparisons to former Everton midfielder Ross Barkley: “When I saw Ross Barkley for the first time, I thought, ‘Wow, incredible ability to turn away from trouble.’ But then the more I saw of Ross Barkley, I thought, ‘Wow, unbelievable ability to turn back into trouble.’”

Gravenberch, however, avoids that trap. “Ryan Gravenberch has this ability to turn out of trouble and stay out of trouble,” Mølby added.

This composure under pressure makes Gravenberch a valuable asset to Liverpool’s midfield, particularly under Arne Slot, who prioritises technical proficiency and positional awareness.

The Challenge of English Football

Despite his strengths, Gravenberch has faced challenges in adapting to the physicality of the Premier League. Mølby pointed to the Merseyside Derby as an example, where Everton managed to nullify his influence.

“There was one thing missing when we played Everton. I thought Everton did really well in terms of closing down those lanes for him—his passing lanes or where he wanted to run into. I thought Everton did that really well and stopped him playing.”

This tactical awareness from opposition teams is something Gravenberch will need to navigate as he continues to develop. However, Mølby is confident that his Ajax grounding and natural footballing intelligence will help him find solutions.

Photo by IMAGO

The Liverpool-Ajax Connection

Mølby also reflected on his own transition from Ajax to Liverpool, suggesting that the similarities between the two clubs’ training methodologies made it a seamless switch.

“I came for a 10-day trial, and in those 10 days, I played a pre-season friendly, but generally, it was training. Once I saw what Liverpool did in training, I thought, ‘Well, I can do this. I’m used to this. I’m comfortable,’” Mølby recalled.

This same adaptability has been evident in Gravenberch’s performances. While he is still settling into the physical demands of English football, his technical quality ensures he is more than capable of thriving at Anfield.

As Liverpool continues to evolve under Slot, Gravenberch will be expected to play a significant role. If he can build on his Ajax foundation and adjust to the Premier League’s tactical battles, he has the potential to be a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield for years to come.