Ryan Gravenberch warned to keep discipline as Liverpool eye tough upcoming fixtures
By
SABC Sport
11th September 2025
Ryan Gravenberch has been urged to show more discipline as Liverpool look to maintain their strong start to the Premier League season under Arne Slot.
The Dutch midfielder, who has been reshaped into a deeper role by Slot, has already shown his value to the Reds. He missed the opening game against Bournemouth through suspension after being sent off against Crystal Palace on the final day of last season, when he brought down Daichi Kamada to deny a clear scoring chance.
Without him, Liverpool conceded twice on the counter at Anfield but still edged past Bournemouth. On his return, Gravenberch scored the opener in the 3-2 win away at Newcastle and played an important role as Liverpool narrowly defeated Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield.
However, his disciplinary record remains a concern. At St James' Park, he was booked just eight minutes in for a rash challenge on Bruno Guimaraes, while against Arsenal he cynically pulled back Riccardo Calafiori to stop a dangerous break. That leaves him on two yellow cards from only two appearances this campaign.
FA rules state that any player who receives five bookings before the 19th league match will serve a one-match ban. That could cause Liverpool problems, with crucial fixtures against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United at Anfield looming in October.
Liverpool face Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, followed by a Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield on 20 September, a match that is traditionally full of drama and challenges for referees. The Reds then travel to Selhurst Park to meet Crystal Palace on 27 September, where they have not won by more than a single goal since 2022.
Speaking recently, Slot praised Gravenberch's development in his new role but stressed the importance of control. "Ryan has been excellent since moving into midfield, but he must learn to manage situations better. Discipline is part of growing into that position," the Liverpool coach said.
Gravenberch, still only 23, has already become central to Liverpool's midfield balance, but avoiding unnecessary suspensions will be key if the Reds are to sustain their early title push.
