Gravenberch is a record-breaking move as Liverpool enjoy last laugh over Chelsea

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Ryan Gravenberch is a Liverpool player (Image: Getty Images)
Ryan Gravenberch is a Liverpool player (Image: Getty Images)

Perhaps unnoticed in the whirlwind of deadline day transfers, but the arrival of Ryan Gravenberch will create a significant record at Anfield.

‌The 21-year-old's presence alongside fellow new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will create - at 22.3 years - the youngest midfield in Liverpool's history.

‌Add to that trio another three midfielders in Curtis Jones, 22, Harvey Elliott, 20, and the precocious 18-year-old talent of Stefan Bajcetic, and Jurgen Klopp boasts a frighteningly young group in an area of the pitch where experience is usually deemed as vital.

‌Yet if anyone knows about 'winning things with kids', to paraphrase the famous saying from Anfield legend Alan Hansen, it is Klopp. In his own words he is the "wrong person to ask" whether age is a barrier to winning trophies. For very good reason.

"I know it was ages ago, but at Dortmund we became the youngest champions ever and a year later the second-youngest champions ever as the team was a year older," he explained patiently as Gravenberch was undergoing his medical. "Age is no issue, and that’s no problem, it didn’t hold us back then and it will not hold us back now."

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash eidekiqtiqrtinvMarcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

‌Only Thiago at 32 and another new signing, the 30-year-old Wataru Endo, provide the experience which Klopp based his entire Anfield success on, in the shape of a wily midfield quartet of James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum.

‌But as Liverpool welcome the talented and dangerous Aston Villa this Sunday, the manager believes that it is possible to overhaul Manchester City - who have signed real experience after losing two veteran midfielders of their own this summer - in the title race.

"Yes we got younger, but we had to, we are less experienced, and that is normal. But I love the desire, that’s the thing. Of course, when you change (as) much as we are now, turning up as absolute favourites for all competitions? No.

‌"If we are confronted by those expectations, then it will be tricky. But if you give us time... I don’t know where the limits are at the moment, and we have to go through difficult moments.

Gravenberch is a record-breaking move as Liverpool enjoy last laugh over ChelseaGravenberch is the fourth midfielder to join Liverpool this summer (Getty Images)

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‌"But I don’t see that we are somehow too young. We have players in the best age group of mid-20s, younger 20s, early 30s, everything is in there. It’s about how we grow together and can build this unit, how we can build this spirit to go for it."

For now, he just wants the club's supporters to give his side some love after a difficult transfer window. And perhaps - though he wouldn’t say it himself - consider the fact he's signed three of the best young midfielders in the world, for only £10m more than Chelsea paid for one player in Moises Caicedo.

‌"I think it’s very important, especially at Liverpool, from Saturday morning that our people - with all the speculation that has gone on - will buy into it and spread the love for this team," he said. I really think it’s easy to love this team. You’ve already seen that. What can you get from a team in the first three games besides results, which everybody wants?

‌"The fighting spirit, the mentality we showed so early in the season already. The passion and commitment (with 10 men). So age is no issue - these boys we brought in have experience at the highest level already."

David Maddock

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