Gravenberch tells Liverpool they can change January plans amid title charge

Ryan Gravenberch has told Liverpool there is no need to look for a midfielder in the January transfer window as he will only improve in his new preferred role.

The Dutch star has played a deeper role under Arne Slot so far this season. He started every match in the Premier League and Champions League as the Reds opened an eight-point lead at home and maintained a 100% record on the continental stage.

And Gravenberch is convinced there is still plenty of room for improvement in his new preferred position – an area of ​​the pitch that Liverpool were determined to strengthen this summer, only to bust a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

Speaking to the Men In Blazers podcast before the Reds host Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night, Gravenberch said: “When you come to Liverpool you always want to be a first XI, a starting player.

“That was my goal this season. When [Slot] told me he sees me as a number 6. I've played that position there before, so I knew what I had to do and what I had to improve. I'm glad I get the minutes now.

“I have played in this position before and of course you have to adapt to the position a bit, but I think it is going very well. I continue to improve myself and want to do even better. I think things are going very well, but I can also do better.”

Gravenberch joined Merseyside from Bayern Munich last September, but was in charge of the team in Jurgen Klopp's final season.

Yet he has become one of Slot's most important players and the 22-year-old is confident he can give even more both on and off the ball.

“I can do better on my defensive stuff,” he said. “I always think [keeping] 100 percent concentrated and also in possession of the ball, maybe I can play more balls behind the defense and maybe also score or provide an assist. I think I can improve there.

“I see myself as a number six because I played there and I have to concentrate mainly on this position this season. But so far I'm happy with it. It's going well.

“Last season I played more than the season before and that was my goal, and this season the goal was to play and become a starting team player. I'm just happy to be back on the field and be able to show my quality.”