Vicario reveals Tottenham’s tactical focus — and what went wrong
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has offered a candid insight into his team’s defensive approach against Liverpool, admitting that Spurs’ match plan failed to account for the true source of danger on the pitch.
Speaking after the game, Vicario revealed that Tottenham had deliberately instructed their defenders to concentrate heavily on Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitiké, believing him to be the Reds’ primary attacking threat. However, that tactical decision inadvertently left space elsewhere — space that Ryan Gravenberch exploited to devastating effect.
“I instructed my defenders to focus on Ekitiké, thinking he was their best player,” Vicario said. “But that destroyed us. The real problem came from Gravenberch.”
The admission has sparked widespread discussion among analysts and fans alike, highlighting how Liverpool’s evolving midfield structure can punish teams that misread their threats.
Gravenberch’s influence flew under the radar
Ryan Gravenberch’s performance against Tottenham may not have grabbed headlines immediately, but Vicario’s comments underline just how impactful the Dutch midfielder was throughout the contest.
Operating between Tottenham’s midfield and defensive lines, Gravenberch repeatedly found pockets of space, progressed the ball through pressure, and disrupted Spurs’ defensive shape. His movement forced defenders out of position and created overloads that Liverpool exploited during key moments.
What made Gravenberch’s display particularly impressive was its subtlety. Rather than dominating with flashy moments, he controlled rhythm, carried the ball intelligently, and linked play with composure — qualities that often go unnoticed until opposition players speak out.
Why Tottenham focused on Ekitiké
Tottenham’s decision to prioritise Ekitiké was understandable. The Liverpool forward has been in strong form and has established himself as a focal point in the Reds’ attack under Arne Slot.
Ekitiké’s pressing intensity, off-the-ball movement, and goal threat have caused problems for multiple Premier League defences, making him a logical target for special attention.
However, Liverpool’s strength lies in their collective fluidity rather than reliance on a single star. Slot’s system encourages midfielders to break lines and arrive late into dangerous areas — a dynamic Gravenberch executed to near perfection against Spurs.
Tactical lessons from the match
Vicario’s comments highlight a broader tactical reality: focusing too heavily on one perceived danger can expose teams elsewhere.
By committing defenders to limit Ekitiké’s influence, Tottenham inadvertently created numerical disadvantages in midfield. Gravenberch capitalised on that imbalance, repeatedly receiving the ball under minimal pressure and driving Liverpool forward.
Analysts noted that Tottenham struggled to adjust during the game, with Gravenberch continuing to find space even as Spurs attempted to reorganise.
Arne Slot’s growing midfield weapon
Since taking charge at Liverpool, Arne Slot has worked to unlock Gravenberch’s full potential. Once considered inconsistent, the midfielder has grown into a more disciplined and tactically aware player, capable of influencing matches against top opposition.
Slot has praised Gravenberch’s willingness to learn and adapt, particularly in terms of defensive positioning and pressing triggers. Against Tottenham, those improvements were evident, as he balanced attacking ambition with positional responsibility.
Vicario’s praise can be seen as external validation of Gravenberch’s development — recognition from an opponent who experienced his impact firsthand.
Fan reaction: recognition at last
Liverpool supporters have welcomed Vicario’s comments, seeing them as long-overdue recognition for a player who has often flown under the radar.
Many fans pointed out that Gravenberch’s performance was crucial to Liverpool’s control of the match, even if it did not produce a goal or assist. His ability to dictate tempo and disrupt Tottenham’s shape played a major role in the Reds’ overall dominance.
For some, Vicario’s admission confirmed what they had already observed: Gravenberch is becoming one of Liverpool’s most important midfielders in big games.
What this means going forward
As Liverpool continue their campaign, performances like this strengthen the case for Gravenberch as a regular starter. His versatility allows Slot to adjust tactical setups without sacrificing balance — a valuable asset as fixtures pile up.
Opposition teams will now be forced to rethink their approach. Focusing solely on Liverpool’s forwards may no longer be enough, especially if midfielders like Gravenberch continue to exploit space with intelligence and confidence.
A compliment that carries weight
Praise from teammates is expected. Praise from opponents — especially one as honest as Vicario — carries far more weight.
Tottenham may have left Anfield frustrated, but Vicario’s words offer a revealing glimpse into why Liverpool proved so difficult to contain.
Gravenberch may not always command headlines, but on this occasion, he was the difference — and Tottenham felt it.