Ryan Gravenberch
The 22-year-old Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season, establishing himself as a key player in Arne Slot’s side . Gravenberch, who joined the Reds from Bayern Munich last year in a deal worth about £34m, has started every Premier League tie so far this term, operating as a holding midfielder. The Netherlands international has helped Liverpool win all but one game to climb to the top of the table . After the Reds failed to wrap up a deal for Martin Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been tasked with shielding the backline and marshalling the middle of the park. Under Jurgen Klopp , he was more so box-to-box, with Alexis Mac Allister preferred in the number six role. While he’s impressed, Hargreaves believes that Liverpool still need to sign a ‘specialist’ holding midfielder if they truly want to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.
Owen Hargreaves said “He has done brilliantly well, but he is not a defensive midfield player, which is fine when you are playing teams like this which you will beat. “He is 190cm. He is 22 years old. He has got everything. But he is not a specialist defensive midfield player. There is a difference. I think he is a brilliant midfield player, he is a box-to-box , depending on who you play. But I think in a big game, in a one-off game, to go and win the Premier League or the Champions League , I think you need a specialist. Liverpool showed that with Fabinho or Manchester City showed that with Rodri. I still think they will address his position. But credit Gravenberch, he has grabbed his chance and that’s all you need. That’s what you need as a player, you need someone to trust you and he has proven it.
