Graven Birch: How Trent’s departure has changed my midfield role
Video credit: TNT Sports
The right-back, who joined Real Madrid in the summer, redefined his role during his time at Liverpool, often operating from deep or inside to provide assists or passes that split up defenses.
Since his departure, the full-back positions have changed significantly this season, with Jeremy Frimpong joining on the right and Milos Kerkes joining from Bournemouth on the left to ensure competition with Andy Robertson.
The pair bring a breath of fresh air to the position, and Gravenbirch spoke about how that has affected his role deep in midfield.
“They (the new full-backs) are clearly a different kind of player,” the Dutchman told TNT Sports.
“For example, last season Trent was mostly at the bottom (deep), but now Jeremy is up there. And with Milos and Robbo (Robertson), they both like to go (to the front).”
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Highlights: Wirths shines as Liverpool secure decisive win against Newcastle
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“So maybe my own last season, I was able to run high between the lines at times because I had Trent.
“For example, now Jeremy is going wide so I have to stay further back. That’s probably the weirdest part.”
Comparing Graben-Birch’s touch map so far this season to last season, the data would appear to support his claims.
His most red zone last season was over half…
…On the other hand, you can see how much more often he’s getting into the right-back zone this season.
Shoboshrai proof key
Normally a midfielder, the Hungarian was especially noticeable in the second half against The Thun, filtering inwards and showing a deeper, more creative presence than we’ve seen from Alexander-Arnold in the past.
And in honor of his influence on the game, Szoboszlai finished the match with some impressive stats to his name.
Ranking (Both teams) Number of touches 811th Accurate passing 491st Place 3rd place in the final 11 = 1st Place 3rd place in the final 182nd place
Liverpool look balanced against Eddie Howe’s side, but Arne Slott will have a pleasant headache over the coming weeks in terms of his combination at full-back and midfield.
“Special” Wirtz begins to shine
Also involved in this equation is the growth of Florian Wirtz, who shone once again against Newcastle.
The German midfielder has increasingly become a key part of Liverpool’s attack and capped off his performance with a stunning goal from an assist from Mohamed Salah.
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“Clinical finish” – Wirtz caps off an impressive performance with a goal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Grabenbirch is also enjoying the evolution of his teammates.
“You can see his quality,” the Dutchman said of his fellow midfielder.
“He needed a bit of time to adapt, but when you look at his quality now and his performance, scoring goals, giving assists, giving other players opportunities to score.
“I’m really happy he’s here. He’s just a special player. When you give him the ball, he makes things happen. I don’t think many midfielders have that.”
Graven-Birch added: “We’ve had a good relationship with each other since he came in, but obviously we’re both young.
“We get along well with each other and we talk a lot (off the pitch), but it’s the same on the pitch.
“When I get the ball, I try to find him as much as possible. It’s nice to work with him.”
