He’s Better Than Gravenberch: Liverpool Open Talks to Sign “World-class” £67m Sensation
They say that league standings in football are not particularly meaningful until after the Christmas period, and there’s a fair amount of truth to that idea.
However, Liverpool have every reason to be pleased with their progress under Arne Slot this season. Against expectations, they have managed to secure 12 wins from their first 14 games across all competitions, positioning themselves at the top of both the Premier League and the restructured Champions League group stage.
Things appear to be going exceptionally well for Liverpool. Yet, despite the strong defensive displays, prolific attacking efforts, and impressive style of play, the midfield occasionally shows a lack of physicality and control.
Is this a minor concern? Possibly, but while Ryan Gravenberch has significantly stepped up his performance, adding a bit of healthy competition in the squad could still be beneficial.
With the January transfer window approaching, rumours linking Aurelien Tchouameni with a move to Liverpool have started surfacing once again.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reports that representatives of the Real Madrid star have been in contact with Liverpool, exploring the feasibility of a transfer, as Madrid might no longer view him as ‘untouchable.’
A separate report from Spain suggests that Carlo Ancelotti’s side would be open to offers in the range of €80m (£67m). This would imply a willingness to accept a loss on the £85m paid to AS Monaco for Tchouameni in 2022, putting Liverpool in a potential position to secure his signing.
Comparing Aurelien Tchouameni to Gravenberch
This acquisition would be a remarkable achievement for FSG, who have previously shown strong interest in Tchouameni. With Real Madrid already abundant in top-tier talent, they may now be inclined to offload certain players.
The French midfielder is undoubtedly among the elite of modern-day players in his position, with Transfermarkt’s Stefan Bienkowski describing his performances as “world-class.”
Despite playing a key role in Real Madrid’s successful 2023/24 season, Tchouameni faced setbacks due to injury. Although he has returned with renewed energy, the balance at the Spanish club currently seems off, and they appear to be struggling.
Nonetheless, Tchouameni’s powerful physical presence and exceptional technical skills distinguish him from most of his contemporaries. He has the potential to claim the number six role at Liverpool in the years ahead, potentially competing with Gravenberch for a permanent spot in the lineup.
| Ryan Gravenberch vs Martin Zubimendi vs Aurelien Tchouameni (24/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (*per game) | Gravenberch | Tchouameni |
| Matches (starts) | 10 (10) | 10 (10) |
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 0 | 0 |
| Touches* | 74.2 | 76.6 |
| Pass completion | 89% | 93% |
| Key passes* | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Dribbles* | 0.8 | 0.3 |
| Ball recoveries* | 5.9 | 4.4 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 3.6 | 4.3 |
| Total duels (won)* | 5.8 (64%) | 4.9 (63%) |
| Stats Source: Sofascore | ||
The statistics above show just how evenly matched the two midfielders have been in their respective leagues this season. While Gravenberch has displayed a bit more finesse in winning duels, Tchouameni has excelled in making powerful tackles and executing accurate passes.
At 24 years old, Tchouameni is among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe’s five major leagues in pass completion over the past year.
He also ranks in the top 10% for interceptions and aerial duels won per 90 minutes, according to FBref, highlighting both his defensive capabilities and skillful passing.
Gravenberch has had an impressive season for Liverpool, showcasing his talent as a dynamic midfielder. However, he lacks the strong tackling abilities typical of a traditional defensive midfielder.
Adding Tchouameni, who has proven his worth at an elite level with Madrid, could enhance the depth and intensity of Slot’s high-energy squad.
Perhaps there is even a future where these two midfield talents could work together, forming a powerful duo in English football that would be dominant for years to come.
In other news, Pep Guardiola Throws Cheeky Jab at Man Utd as Liverpool Benefit from Man City’s Setback
