Ryan Gravenberch Shines as Liverpool's No 6 Amid Zubimendi Transfer Frustration

Understanding The Radar: Key Insights from the Premier League

Welcome to The Radar, a dedicated column by Sky Sports that melds data and expert opinion to spotlight crucial stories from the ever-evolving world of the Premier League. This week's focus includes:

• Gravenberch's Evolution in the No 6 Role
• Lomu-like Impressiveness of Morgan Rogers
• Additional Players to Watch This Weekend

Ryan Gravenberch: Filling the Void as Slot's New No 6

After Liverpool's summer bid for Martin Zubimendi was unsuccessful, manager Arne Slot has seemingly found a capable alternative in the young talent Ryan Gravenberch. Following his £34.2 million transfer from Bayern Munich, Gravenberch transitioned from a left-sided midfielder to the pivotal No 6 with promising results.

Enhancing Control in Midfield

Gravenberch has significantly improved his influence in the game, effectively swapping roles with team-mate Alexis Mac Allister. With this new positioning, Gravenberch has seen an increase of around 30% in touches and an impressive 50% rise in successful passes. His passing accuracy has also jumped from 83.4% to a remarkable 90.4%.

Creating Opportunities

More than just completing passes, Slot enhances his attacking strategy through purposeful ball movement. Liverpool's early season statistics showcase a league-leading rate of passing sequences that culminate in a shot or an opposition box touch, with Gravenberch at the heart of it.

As illustrated in the match against Brentford, Gravenberch's ability to execute expertly threaded passes proves vital. For instance, instead of passing to a simpler option, he risked a more conventional pass to Mac Allister, maintaining the attacking momentum leading to a scoring chance.

Defensive Questions Still Loom

Despite these positive moments in attack, questions persist regarding Gravenberch’s defensive abilities. Future matches, particularly against tougher opponents like Manchester United, may test his mettle further. With praise from former coaches who recognize his potential to become one of the world's best midfielders, the coming weeks present a crucial period for Gravenberch's development in the No 6 role.

Morgan Rogers: A Rising Star

In contrast to Liverpool's midfield evolution, another player drawing attention is Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa. With a blend of height and dexterity, Rogers has emerged as a standout talent, earning comparisons to rugby legend Jonah Lomu for his game-changing ability.

Dominating the Field

Rogers’ impressive statistics paint a picture of a player in form. With an average carry distance of 33.2 meters per dribble—currently unmatched in the league—Rogers is expected to see more national attention if his dominant performances continue.

Players to Keep an Eye On

As the Premier League unfolds, several players are poised for a breakout weekend. Eberechi Eze has been buzzing despite not yet scoring, striving to convert his 12 shots into goals, with a potential breakthrough against Chelsea looming. Additionally, Mikel Merino, following his transfer from Real Sociedad, could make his impact felt in an appearance against Brighton.

Key Fixtures to Watch

This weekend presents thrilling fixtures, including:

• West Ham vs. Manchester City on Saturday at 5:30 PM
• Newcastle vs. Tottenham on Sunday at 12:30 PM
• Manchester United vs. Liverpool at 4:00 PM

For real-time action and insights, tune in on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

Stay tuned for more updates as The Radar continues to cover the latest happenings in the Premier League.