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Ryan Gravenberch will need to proceed with caution in the future, or it could spell trouble for Liverpool later this season.
The midfielder's performances have helped the Reds secure an early lead at the top of the Premier League, but it could come at a price. Liverpool was without its Dutch star for the opening game against Bournemouth due to a suspension carried over from last season.
Gravenberch was given a straight red card for denying Crystal Palace a clear scoring opportunity on the final day of the previous season by bringing down Daichi Kamada. In the match against Bournemouth, with Gravenberch absent, Arne Slot's team nearly squandered the win by conceding two counter-attack goals - something Gravenberch had proven effective at stopping after being repositioned as a defensive midfielder by his new head coach last year.
He returned for the subsequent visit to Newcastle, scoring the opening goal in Liverpool's 3-2 victory, and played a crucial role in narrowly defeating Arsenal at Anfield just over a week later.
However, both matches had their tense moments, and Gravenberch fell into traps set by the opposition. Against Newcastle, he received his first yellow card of the season just eight minutes after the start.
With St. James' Park filled with emotional Magpies supporters unhappy about Alexander Isak's impending transfer to Liverpool at the time, the 23-year-old was drawn into a hard tackle on Bruno Guimaraes.
During a match against the Gunners, Gravenberch was seen cynically bringing down Riccardo Calafiori as he sprinted toward Liverpool's penalty area.
With two yellow cards from just two appearances, the Dutch international will now be treading carefully until at least match Week 19.
According to Football Association rules, a player must avoid accumulating five bookings before the season's halfway point. If they fail to do so, they face a one-match suspension from domestic competitions.
Liverpool is back in action this weekend, taking on Burnley at Turf Moor. While the Reds are expected to overcome the newly-promoted side, a hostile away atmosphere could easily lead to an error.
Following this, Everton will make its way to Anfield for the season's first Merseyside derby - a game that typically keeps referees busy.
Next, Liverpool will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park - a ground where the Reds haven't managed a victory by more than a single goal since 2022.
Then, either side of the international break, Liverpool will face off against Chelsea away and Manchester United at home.
Gravenberch will need to be on his best behavior to avoid a potential suspension, particularly to ensure he doesn't miss those crucial last two games against major rivals.
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