Liverpool’s Defensive Gambit: Slot Starts Midfielder Gravenberch at Centre‑Back Against Qarabag

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Key Points:

* Date: The article was last updated on January 28, 2026.
* Match: Liverpool is playing Qarabag in a Champions League match.
* Unusual Lineup: Arne Slot has surprisingly selected Ryan Gravenberch to play at center-back.
* Defensive Crisis: Liverpool is facing a shortage of center-backs due to injuries/unavailability: Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni are out. virgil van Dijk is the only natural center-back available.
* Slot’s Comment: Arne Slot stated they are “playing a midfielder there” at center-back because of the lack of options. He praised Van Dijk for his consistent availability.
* Wataru Endo: Wataru Endo is not starting, despite replacing Gomez in the previous match.
* Full-backs: Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson are starting as full-backs. Robertson is still linked with a potential transfer.
* Goalkeeper: Alisson is in goal.
* Midfield: Alexis Mac Allister is starting in midfield.

In essence, the article focuses on Liverpool’s defensive issues and the surprising tactical decision by Arne Slot to deploy a midfielder (ryan Gravenberch) as a center-back due to a lack of available players in that position.

what motivated Liverpool to start Ryan Gravenberch at center‑back in the Europa League match against qarabag?

Liverpool’s Defensive Gambit: Slot Starts Midfielder Gravenberch at Centre‑Back Against Qarabag

The team sheet raised eyebrows across Anfield and beyond. Arne Slot’s decision to deploy Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back for Liverpool’s Europa League clash against Qarabag wasn’t a tactical tweak; it was a bold statement, born out of necessity and hinting at a potentially evolving defensive ideology. This move, while initially surprising, offered a fascinating insight into Slot’s adaptability and willingness to experiment, particularly given the ongoing centre-back injury crisis plaguing the Reds.

The Context: Defensive Injuries and Squad Depth

Liverpool entered the Qarabag match significantly depleted in the central defensive department. Virgil van Dijk’s continued recovery from a hamstring injury, coupled with Joe Gomez’s knock sustained in the previous Premier League fixture, left Slot with limited conventional options. Ibrahima Konaté was the only fully fit,recognised centre-back.

This situation forced Slot to consider unconventional solutions.While Joel Matip’s availability was a possibility, his recent form and age prompted the manager to explore alternatives. The emergence of Jarell Quansah as a promising young talent offered some reassurance, but pairing him with an untested centre-back felt risky in a European competition.

Why Gravenberch? Assessing the Midfielder’s Attributes

Gravenberch, typically a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, possesses a surprising skillset that makes him a viable, albeit unorthodox, option at centre-back.

* Passing Range: His exceptional passing accuracy and vision, honed in midfield, translate well to building play from the back. He’s capable of breaking lines with incisive passes, a crucial attribute for a modern ball-playing centre-back.

* Composure Under Pressure: Gravenberch rarely panics in possession. This calmness is vital when facing high-pressing opponents, allowing him to maintain control and distribute the ball effectively.

* Athleticism & Recovery Pace: The Dutchman’s speed and agility allow him to cover ground quickly, potentially mitigating some of the positional risks associated with playing him out of position.

* Aerial Ability: While not a towering presence, Gravenberch’s jumping reach and competitive spirit make him capable in aerial duels.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the inherent risks. Gravenberch lacks the positional awareness and defensive instincts of a seasoned centre-back. His tackling technique, while improving, isn’t as refined as that of a specialist defender.

tactical Implications: How Liverpool Adapted

Slot didn’t simply drop Gravenberch into the centre-back role and hope for the best. The entire team structure was adjusted to compensate for his lack of experience.

* Defensive Midfield Shield: Wataru Endo played a crucial role shielding the defence, providing an extra layer of protection and winning back possession in midfield.

* Full-Back Support: andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-arnold were instructed to maintain disciplined positions, offering support to Gravenberch and limiting the space for Qarabag’s wingers to exploit.

* High Press: Liverpool implemented a high-pressing strategy, aiming to win the ball back in the opponent’s half and reduce the amount of defending required in their own third.

* Build-up Play: The team focused on short, controlled passing sequences, utilising Gravenberch’s passing range to bypass Qarabag’s midfield press.

This tactical shift demonstrated Slot’s ability to adapt his system based on player availability and opponent strengths. It wasn’t about forcing a square peg into a round hole; it was about maximizing the strengths of the available personnel.

Performance Analysis: Gravenberch’s Display Against Qarabag

Gravenberch’s performance against Qarabag was largely positive, exceeding expectations.He completed a high percentage of his passes, demonstrating his composure on the ball. He made several crucial interceptions and tackles,showcasing his willingness to defend. While he was occasionally caught out of position, his athleticism allowed him to recover quickly and prevent any major threats.

Statistically, Gravenberch recorded a pass completion rate of 92%, made 3 interceptions, and won 2 aerial duels. He also completed 2 tackles, highlighting his commitment to defensive duties.While these numbers don’t tell the whole story, they provide a quantitative measure of his contribution.

The Future: A Potential Long-Term Solution?

While Gravenberch’s appearance at centre-back was largely a response to a short-term crisis, it raises intriguing questions about his long-term potential in that position. Slot’s willingness to experiment suggests he’s open to unconventional ideas.

The benefits of utilising a technically gifted midfielder at centre-back are clear: improved ball-playing ability,enhanced build-up play,and increased tactical versatility.However, the risks – lack of positional awareness and defensive instincts – remain significant.

further experimentation and targeted training will be crucial to determine whether Gravenberch can successfully transition into a viable centre-back option. It’s unlikely he’ll become a permanent fixture in that role, but his versatility could prove invaluable to Liverpool in the future, particularly in situations where squad depth is stretched.

Case Study: Pep Guardiola and David Silva at Centre-Back

this isn’t the first time a manager has deployed a midfielder at centre-back. During his time at Manchester City