Gerrard tells Gravenberch he’s No. 8, warns Liverpool need a specialist defensive midfielder
Steven Gerrard has delivered a pointed assessment of Liverpool’s midfield situation, urging the club to sign a dedicated holding midfielder while revealing he has personally told Ryan Gravenberch he sees him as a box-to-box player rather than a sitting six.
The Liverpool legend was candid speaking to TNT Sports.
“I remember speaking to Ryan and I said, ‘Mate, you’re an eight. You’re a box-to-box midfield player,'” Gerrard said — a fascinating admission given Gravenberch’s outstanding displays in the deeper role last season.
Gerrard was quick to credit the 22-year-old’s adaptability, acknowledging he “played the six as a world-class player last season,” but argued the issue is one of squad depth rather than individual quality.
His concern centers on what happens when Gravenberch is unavailable.
“The problem I’ve got if you get an injury to Gravenberch or he’s missing for a period of time — I don’t like the dynamics of how the middle would look,” Gerrard warned.
His solution was clear: “I just like them to go out and get a real dominant defensive midfielder that can really help protect the back four a little bit more.”
The comments arrive at a difficult moment for Arne Slot’s side, who have taken just one point from their last nine available in the Premier League.
Gravenberch has made 29 Premier League appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the division’s most important midfielders
