23 Sep 2023 11:28:22
Just wanted to post about my recent post about Gravenberch's performance against LASK. Lots of posts after while I was offline so thought I would clarify a little bit.

I was not basing my area for improvement on one game. Off the ball and defensive work is a massive area for improvement in his game. Everybody was excited by his touch and potential on the ball from that game as am I. That also needs improvement of course but his level is very high for his age in the area.

The defensive side of the game has always been on past viewings aswell his weakness. If I'm honest, I was hoping with the ethos of our team, he would be getting into challenges a lot more in his first game to prove himself in this area. Midfield is a battle that must be won in games and being good on the ball is only 50 percent of what you need. It's his mindset that must change if he is going to be a top player. He must say to himself I own this midfield. Nobody is getting through me and nothing is stopping me. He needs to think of himself as a beast. He is huge and athletic. He should not think I could be the next Coutinho. He ll only be half the player he could be if he keeps on this track. He must get stuck in more and that was based on more games than just LASK.

And that's the big negative/ thing to work on right now.

On the positive, he was always showing for the ball and wanted to affect the game going forward. His first touch is constantly improving and is getting to the point where it's creating really dangerous opportunities to attack even if some were squandered with poor decisions. But that stuff is one game and will improve I have no doubt. His cross was outstanding top drawer stuff. He is very exciting potential in possession.

I did not lose sight of the fact he is 21 as some mentioned. He could be anything yet. I just don't want him to not reach his potential, not because of quality but because of mindset. That would be a real shame.

Let's hope Klopp can get through on this. Then we have a real player on our hands. I'm excited by him like everybody else but we should not ignore his big flaw. It's not that hard to put yourself about with his athletism. He needs to lose the fear at some point and start battling. Time is still very much on his side to do so and looking forward to that development.

1.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 11:39:58
He’s been here a minute. Some guys have been at the club for years and haven’t shown what you’re hoping see from RG after one game.

2.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 12:07:59
Tell me about the player who didn't get stuck into tackles and made it big in midfield?

Its not asking the world to battle harder.

It's development area. That's it and all it is. But it's a must to reach his undoubted potential.

3.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 12:41:08
It’s such a hopelessly subjective thing to look for - “gets stuck into tackles”. What’s the point?

4.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 12:43:36
Lose the fear and start battling. Most players don't tackle these days. It's about being positioned better, which will improve, working with Klopp. For me he looked like Gini in the way he uses his body to spin players. He looks a powerful runner and looks composed. An excellent debut all things considered.

5.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 13:07:42
I think that's a very fair critique of his performance Davey. Thanks for clarifying.

6.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 13:26:00
We're not bothering tackling or just clearing the ball this season.
I'm telling you.

7.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 13:48:59
Sure it was good debut.

But tackling is massively important part of the game for CMs. It's not all about positioning these days. It's both. Always was and always will be. It's a big development area for him. There was a lot of good like I said and I have high hopes buti have not watched a game yet where he got involved in a big way in tackling the opposition and winning the ball back. It's what I'm watching most closely with him. That light bulb moment when he switches his mentality in this area of the game. Because that's when I ll get super excited about him.

It didn't happen in the first outing but let's see over the course of the season. I am hopeful. Klopp is the right man for this job. That also gives me big hope.

It's all about what it takes to have this man reach his potential. I believe we should certainly praise the great things he did in the game but equally point out what really needs work and what honestly he is quite poor at at the moment. Just trying to be balanced. I don't think he is a player that should be overhyped. That's happened all his career and potentially part of the problem. All I'm saying is I hope he takes good confidence from a decent debut but really works hard on the learnings. There really is a lot he needs to work on before I'd consider him as a starter. Which is where I want him to be. I'm behind him all the way. Tough love?.

8.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 14:00:56
Also there's absolutely nothing subjective about tackling. You either tackle or you don't. And it's very visible to the eye if a player is putting his foot in or not.

9.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 14:33:09
Beckham (never a fan tbh but wand of a right foot) kewell (with Leeds got shown up with us tho - one of my worse signings ever) but both made a career - one more than the other. There are plenty never got stock in got elevated to be fair.

10.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 15:43:03
@Davey you’re on one my favourite posters on here mate but I have to say I was quite surprised about your post on RG.

He’s only been here for one game and is still a very young man (despite his big physical size and big price tag) .

11.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 17:19:34
Quote from Paolo Maldini.
If I have to make a tackle I have already made a mistake.

12.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 17:55:04
The guy's only been here barely a month. Can we all just chill and allow him to grow instead of over-analysing a debut performance with a fine-tuned comb? I don't get it at all.

13.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 19:17:14
No worries at all Navy. People can disagree with me and argue their points all they want. It's what it's all about.

I could respond to the previous thread again so I started a new one. I think that's what makes it seem like I'm having a go at him.

Listen this kid has something. That's why I'm going hard on this area of his game to improve. Because if he can put it all together, then we have some package. I hope and think Klopp will make it a focus area for him.

Seriously. I'm supporting him with tough love here. I'm always harder on the higher potential players than the lesser talents particular for something like defence.

This is similar to Doak and his end product.

This guys are young.
Two exciting products.
But they both have key parts to the game they need to add.

Let's call that out and see how they develop.

Let's not sweep flaws under the rug and pretend everything is awesome.

Flaws are nothing but development opportunities. Particularly for kids this young.

You should always recognise them and improve.

14.) 23 Sep 2023
23 Sep 2023 22:15:59
The last player we had that ‘got stuck in’ was Stevie G. These days the best midfielders tend to tactically foul rather than tackle.

It’s another wonderful thing that Pep brought to our game along with my personal favourite… the inverted fullback.

15.) 24 Sep 2023
24 Sep 2023 05:49:15
Agree with Oli on this one. Let's analyse RG after a season of games. Pointless chat to pick him apart on a debut.
I get it if you followed him before the transfer, but even still new league, new team etc.

16.) 24 Sep 2023
24 Sep 2023 06:55:17
BP, Pep was a cheat (got done for doing twice, if I’m not mistaken) when he played and he has brought this cheating habit of tactically fouling players to the PL.

Tactically fouling the oppo players when they are on the move is cheating but heaven forbid someone actually calls it what it is in society these days. The pitchforks will be out in a flash.