Former Tottenham and Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart has told Ryan Gravenberch he should change position and become a defensive midfielder under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Gravenberch joined the Reds for £40million from Bayern Munich last summer but has struggled to nail down a regular space in the starting XI. He made 38 appearances - with 21 of those coming from the start - during his maiden campaign at Anfield, scoring four goals and contributing with two assists.
More often than not, the 22-year-old was used as a No.8 under Jurgen Klopp and usually operated as the furthest forward midfielder behind the front three. However, Van der Vaart has now suggested that Gravenberch should drop back a touch and feels a tweak in position could change his fortunes.
He highlighted compatriot Nigel de Jong, a member of Manchester City squad that lifted their first-ever Premier League title, and Arsenal legend Patrick Viera as two examples for Liverpool and Gravenberch to follow.
Speaking to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Van Der Vaart explained: "I advise Ryan to opt for a role as a defensive midfielder. That will not be an easy choice for him, because he can do much more. You can compare it with Nigel de Jong in the past.
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"Nigel could do much more than the subservient controller he eventually became. But in that specific role he reached an absolute top level. Nigel decided he was going to be a pit bull and that’s it. Ryan is also very versatile and I recommend him to make a similar choice. In a role like Patrick Vieira once played at Arsenal and France."
Ryan Gravenberch made 38 appearances for Liverpool in his debut season (Getty Images)This comes a matter of days after Gravenberch opened up on his start to life on Merseyside and confirmed he would like to stay at the club for "years to come". Although the ex-Ajax ace was in and out of the Liverpool side, he enjoyed a much more fruitful season compared to the previous one at Bayern.
He told Algemeen Dagblad: "That's why I'm satisfied with my season at Liverpool (lack of game time at Bayern). I wanted to make more minutes and I succeeded.
"I have played good matches, but also lesser ones. No, I'm not as tired as I am after a season where you've played everything. I haven't played everything. Can that freshness be an advantage? Well, I'm ready if you ask me. Anyway, first let's be part of the final selection."
Gravenberch will have to impress Slot when they return for pre-season in July. "A top club, I hope to play here for years to come," he added. "And soon a Dutch trainer with Arne Slot.
"No, I've never spoken to him. Not even during my time as an player. But he is a trainer who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see."
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