“What people don’t realize about Gravenberch” — Arne Slot

Liverpool sitting top of the premier league table at this moment cannot go without mentioning Ryan Gravenberch playing a key role in those points tally.

Following Liverpool’s 2-1 win away at the Molineux, Reds head coach, Arne Slot has spoken positively about his Dutch compatriot who continues to marshal the No. 6 position in Liverpool’s midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch since the start of the 2024/25 season, has carried a transformation that has seen him earn Man-of-the-Match winning performances in games that has not only won Liverpool games but also puts him within shout of one of the best defensive midfielders this season.

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Gravenberch, previously deployed as a No. 8 by former boss Jurgen Klopp, has surprisingly thrived in a deeper, more defensive role alongside Alexis Mac Allister in Slot’s new double-pivot system.

After a standout performance in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Wolves, where he earned Player of the Match honors from Gary Neville, Slot praised Gravenberch’s all-round game. While known for his composure on the ball, it’s the 22-year-old’s defensive contributions that have caught Slot off guard.

“To be honest, it surprised me… he’s doing a really good job without the ball as well,” Slot admitted, noting how Gravenberch has added an extra dimension to Liverpool’s midfield.

With Wataru Endo now on the bench, Gravenberch’s rise under Slot signals a new era in Liverpool’s midfield evolution.

Aside that, the former Ajax player’s current form, prevents Liverpool from missing Martin Zubimendi who opted to stay put at Real Sociedad.