Can Gravenberch stop Palmer in crucial midfield duel?

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be influential in Matchweek 8.

Player analysis - Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) v Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Liverpool’s match against Chelsea on Sunday throws up several key battles, but the duel between Palmer and Gravenberch looks especially appetising.

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Gravenberch is performing a new, slightly more defensive role under Arne Slot, and the 22-year-old midfielder has looked a player reborn this season.

Meanwhile, Palmer - last season's Hublot Young Player of the Season - has also been magnificent, producing six goals and five assists already.

If one of these standout performers can dominate the other, they are unlikely to end up on the losing side.

Similar style to Vieira

Gravenberch’s early-season displays have been reminiscent of Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira.

There is no higher compliment for a player who has been a towering presence in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, breaking up play with authority and then catching the eye with some powerful driving runs down the centre.

His pre-assist for Luis Diaz’s opener at Manchester United was typical of what he has offered the team.

Gravenberch initially steps to his right to intercept a Casemiro pass, before driving at the opposition defence for over 30 yards, then freeing Mohamed Salah for a telling right-wing cross to Diaz.

Gravenberch's role in opening goal v Man Utd

The Netherlands international is quick across the turf with the ball and difficult to stop once he gets into his full stride.

He cleverly draws opponents in with these dribbles.

Only one other central midfielder has made more passes at the end of a ball carry than Gravenberch, and that is Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic.

Of all the players in his position across the league, Gravenberch has progressed the ball the second-furthest distance in 2024/25.

Premier League central midfielders 2024/25

Here is a graphic that shows how and where Gravenberch can impact matches with those powerful carries towards the opposition goal.

He breaks the lines at will.

Against Chelsea, Gravenberch should and will be proactive, but it cannot be done at the expense of his defensive responsibilities.

Free-scoring Chelsea have many attacking threats, which might force Gravenberch to be a bit more reserved.

It is is going to be important to stop quality service into Palmer and Nicolas Jackson. 

As you can see on his "defensive actions" map below, Gravenberch covers plenty of ground out of possession.

But with the presence of Palmer in mind, the Dutchman will not press as high as usual - and we could see him drifting to the left of centre to break up play a little more often too.

Together, Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister certainly need to be wary of their positioning.

If one of them is left exposed to dangerous 2v1s, or Palmer is left free in half-space pockets to receive a pass under no pressure, Liverpool could find themselves in trouble.

But Gravenberch's off-the-ball numbers are mightily impressive.

As a ball-winner he is the best at Slot’s disposal, and one of the most effective players in his position across the Premier League.

Where Gravenberch ranks 2024/25

*Out of players who have made at least 10 tackles
** Out of players who have won at least 30 duels

Beware of Chelsea's breakaways

Liverpool’s sole defeat so far this season came at the hands of Nottingham Forest, who punished Slot’s side with a counter-attack down the full length of the pitch.

Under Enzo Maresca, this has been one of Chelsea’s great strengths.

No team have conjured up more fast breaks, or had a greater number of shots from them across the opening seven matches.

Most shots from fast breaks 2024/25

The deceptively quick Palmer, along with Jackson, are especially potent from quickly constructed breaks.

Chelsea’s dynamic duo have combined three times already to score from the exact type of situation that Liverpool may fear.

In a 6-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jackson raced onto a quick goal kick before playing Palmer in after the midfielder had run from halfway inside his own half to support him. His exquisite lob was outstanding.

Palmer's sensational lob v Wolves

Palmer made another lung-bursting run from deep from a counter-attack at home to Crystal Palace, racing onto Noni Madueke’s pass before squaring to Jackson.

Palmer's assist for Jackson v Palace

And in Chelsea’s 3-0 London derby win at West Ham United, Palmer made a superb run from the edge of his own box, arcing a sprint around Jackson to slot home from a 1v1.

Palmer's goal v West Ham

These goals will provide Liverpool, and perhaps Gravenberch himself, with a reminder that Chelsea have the players to punish them if they get too adventurous at Anfield.

Finding the right balance between ambition and safety is going to be key for the hosts.

Stay close to Palmer

Ever since he joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Palmer has made a habit of travelling with the ball smoothly before finding the corner with his shots. He is a master at it.

For this reason, Gravenberch and Mac Allister must stay as close as possible to the brilliant 22-year-old at Anfield, shutting off avenues for him to run into.

Palmer has created eight chances from ball carries, as well as firing off seven shots.

His combined total of four goals and assists from dribbles is a figure only usurped by Erling Haaland, but of the clutch of players at the top of the list, Chelsea’s playmaker is the most rounded threat.

Impact from ball carries 2024/25

While Liverpool have plenty of their own attacking weapons that will concern Chelsea’s defence, it is clear how important midfield compactness is going to be for the Reds this weekend.

If Gravenberch and co do not take too many risks, and are able to successfully stifle Palmer’s space, it can provide them with the platform they need to take three big points.

Failure to do so could cause another upset at Anfield this season.

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