Ryan Gravenberch is continuing to battle for a place in the starting lineup for Liverpool, with his head coach, Andoni Iraola, discussing the star's best position

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola thinks that Ryan Gravenberch's best position is the number eight role, but has praised the star's versatility after playing in several different places already this season.

The 24-year-old has struggled to cement himself in the team under the manager so far, with an early opportunity in the team quickly taken away from him by other players finding form. A midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Florian Wirtz has been the preferred choice so far, but there have been opportunities for Gravenberch to stake a claim to a starting shirt.

There has been some misfortune along the way, with his positive display against Manchester City in place of Szoboszlai ending with a rather harsh red card decision, which ultimately changed the course of the game and will be remembered more than his performance up to that point.

There have then been some switches in his role, with the midweek win over Villarreal seeing the Netherlands international feature as the number 10, before he saw out the second half as a right-back.

It perhaps underlines a player who hasn't quite found his place in the team under Iraola yet, with the Liverpool boss giving some clear thoughts on his position overall.

Speaking ahead of the weekend's clash with Brighton, the manager said on Gravenberch's position: "I think if you asked me where is his position he suits best, I think he is a number eight, but he can do a job at six, and he won the league there.

"He can do a job at right-back like the other day. At number ten he can do a job. He played as a center-back at certain moments, so he is very valuable because he is versatile.

"At this time, you need help in other positions, and he can help. We have lost Frimpong and Bradley."

With Szoboszlai still out of action, it's likely that Gravenberch will make his Premier League return in midfield against Brighton, following the serving of a one-match suspension.

Should Iraola place him there, then it will be an opportunity to show why he should be one of the first names on the team sheet ahead of his fellow midfielders.

There is, of course, a chance that the right-back role comes calling too. Ronald Araujo is the only natural option there, though Joe Gomez could fill in if needed, but it seems as though the manager has been quicker to put a more attacking player there, like Gravenberch or Victor Munoz, when required.

At that point, it becomes about doing the best thing for the team, as Liverpool faces a tough challenge against Brighton that will require everyone to step up when called upon.

The final call will come down to Iraola to make, as he looks at the best decision for the team over the best decision for individuals. Once given the chance to shine, it'll be on Gravenberch to show exactly why he should be in the team.