Journalist Makes Bold Ryan Gravenberch Claim after Liverpool’s Victory Over Everton | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch Proves His Greatness in Liverpool’s Merseyside Derby Victory

Credit must be given to Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph for highlighting what many Liverpool supporters have been sensing for months: Ryan Gravenberch is not only central to Liverpool’s perfect start but may already be the best midfielder in the Premier League. His display in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Everton captured both his class and his growing authority.

Gravenberch’s Defining Role

As Bascombe noted, “Gravenberch headlined another edgy win for the champions by scoring the first and creating the winner for Hugo Ekitike.” That contribution cannot be overstated. In a derby where emotions run high and control can easily be lost, the Dutchman was the picture of calmness, orchestrating the tempo and dictating the rhythm.

The opener, coming after just ten minutes, was classic Gravenberch, timing his run to perfection and finishing with composure past Jordan Pickford. His assist for Ekitike’s strike underlined his vision and ability to influence proceedings from deep. When Idrissa Gueye narrowed the gap for Everton, it was Gravenberch’s poise that ensured Liverpool never lost their grip.

As Bascombe put it, “his ability to switch gears giving the impression the rest of the team moved to his beat.” That encapsulates exactly why he has become irreplaceable.

Photo: IMAGO

Evolution Under Arne Slot

When Arne Slot took charge, many questioned how Liverpool’s midfield would evolve. What has followed is nothing short of a transformation. Gravenberch explained it himself: “This season there is more freedom in the midfield… Last season I was like only the No 6… deep, deep, and now I can go more forward.”

Slot has empowered him to be adventurous, to stride into spaces where previously he hesitated. Already this season he has scored twice, a remarkable shift given he failed to find the net last year. It shows how confidence and tactical clarity can unlock potential that seemed dormant.

Slot’s system allows Gravenberch to be a hybrid, at once controller and creator. Declan Rice, Rodri, Bruno Fernandes and Moisés Caicedo all bring individual qualities, but none combine dribbling, vision and balance with quite the same fluency.

A Complete Midfielder Emerging

It is rare to see a player simultaneously look like the heartbeat of a side and also the future of an entire league position. As Bascombe observed, “The concept of a traditional No 6 is too limited when describing his qualities.”

Liverpool fans can see shades of Vieira in his power, Kroos in his elegance and yet something wholly unique in the way he drags his team into attacking zones. He has become the standard by which others must be judged, and his maturity at just 23 underlines that Liverpool’s midfield belongs to him for years to come.

The champions’ rivals will continue to search for weaknesses, but as of now none can stop Gravenberch. To think Bayern Munich let him leave still feels unfathomable.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

If anyone doubted it before, they must accept it now: Ryan Gravenberch is the jewel in Arne Slot’s crown. Liverpool supporters already knew he was special last season when he anchored the midfield on the way to a historic Premier League title, but the derby performance against Everton was something else.

From the first whistle he controlled the tempo, winning battles, carrying the ball through lines, and producing moments of pure quality. That chip over Pickford will live long in derby folklore, and the assist for Ekitike shows how much he has embraced his expanded attacking licence.

What excites fans most is that he looks like he is only just getting started. Slot has clearly instilled belief in him, urging him to play forward and trust his instincts. Gravenberch admitted, “I think my strength is there, so I’m happy with that and also happy with the goal.” Supporters are happier still, knowing Liverpool have a midfielder who blends skill, power and intelligence in equal measure.

Watching him glide across Anfield’s turf brings back memories of legends, but it feels fresher, faster and more in tune with modern football. He is not just part of Liverpool’s midfield, he is shaping the very identity of how the champions play. The rest of the league can vote for Rice, Rodri or Fernandes, but Liverpool fans will proudly say: the best midfielder in England wears red and his name is Ryan Gravenberch.