Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been compared to Italy’s Andrea Pirlo by club great John Barnes.

Gravenberch was Jurgen Klopp’s final signing as Liverpool manager, joining from Bayern Munich for £34.2 million (according to Sky Sports) at the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.

However, the 13-time Netherlands international struggled to make an impression immediately at Anfield, starting only 12 Premier League games and finishing 90 minutes once.

However, Gravenberch has been revitalized at the start of this season under new manager Arne Slot, who has employed the 22-year-old in a No.6 role, a stark contrast to his previous box-to-box role.

Gravenberch is Liverpool’s second-highest passer in the Premier League this season, after only Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The former Ajax player has impressed enough to be called up to the Netherlands national squad, and ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher has compared him to Patrick Vieira.

Liverpool’s Gravenberch compared to Pirlo

Ryan Gravenberch reacts during Liverpool’s pre-season friendly football match against Sevilla at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on August 11, 2024.
Vieira isn’t the only midfield legend Gravenberch is being compared to right now.

Former Liverpool winger Barnes says Slot’s usage of Gravenberch as a No.6 is comparable to how Pirlo mastered that position despite not being known for his defensive prowess.

“Playing Ryan Gravenberch as a No.6 is similar to playing Pirlo at No.6. Barnes described himself as a different style of player, one who is more attacking and comfortable on the ball than a hard-working, demanding, strong defensive midfielder.