As football fans settle in with their pints for Friday’s Premier League kickoff, there will be a notable absence in Liverpool’s midfield—Ryan Gravenberch. The talented Dutch midfielder, who played a crucial role in 37 of 38 league matches last season under Arne Slot, will not be featuring, but it’s not because he’s still in line for his matchday pie.
Reason for Gravenberch’s Absence
Gravenberch is sidelined due to a suspension carried over from last season. The 23-year-old was shown a straight red card during Liverpool’s final match—a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace about three months ago.
The incident occurred when Gravenberch miscontrolled the ball, allowing Daichi Kamada a clear opportunity to break towards goal. In an effort to recover, he mistimed his challenge and was rightly penalized for taking out Kamada. The referee had no choice but to show him a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Adding to the frustration, Gravenberch had already received a yellow card earlier in the match for simulation. This combination led to a one-match ban, which will impact Liverpool during their Premier League opener.
Implications for Liverpool’s Midfield
For manager Arne Slot, Gravenberch’s absence creates a selection dilemma ahead of the clash with Bournemouth.
- Potential Midfield Pairings:
- Alexis Mac Allister could partner with Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, especially after Szoboszlai’s impressive performance in the Community Shield.
- Curtis Jones also stands as a viable alternative to step in for Gravenberch.
Slot noted the irony that Gravenberch is suspended for simulation, emphasizing the team’s commitment to honest play. It’s a curious twist, given the focus on integrity in the game.
Upcoming Match Details
Liverpool will host Bournemouth at Anfield this Friday evening at 8 PM. Fans are eager for an exciting start to the season, hoping the Reds’ midfield doesn’t resemble the emptiness of my betting slip after the first weekend of football returns!