Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hails Ryan Gravenberch post Merseyside Derby (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool returned with another win as they narrowly surpassed Everton in the Merseyside Derby clash. The game ended 2-1 at home as the Reds gave it their all in the first half.
The second half was indeed a bit questionable, as Arne Slot himself agreed that the team did run out of gas, but their mentality kept them alive to secure a win.
“The second half was more difficult because of Everton, of course, but also because we ran a bit out of energy, but we didn’t run out of mentality.”
The shift was very evident as the Blues were on the front foot, making more aggressive moves throughout the latter 45 minutes. Idrissa Gueye did take advantage of that and fired one into the top corner, giving hope to the Toffees.
Luckily for Liverpool, they didn’t slip any further defensively, or Everton wouldn’t have let that slide. However, one good thing from the derby was that Slot’s men didn’t rely on last-minute winners this time out.
The Reds have been notorious for losing leads and making it up in the final minutes. Ryan Gravenberch does deserve praise after the Dutchman helped the Merseysiders score their first goal just 10 minutes into the game.
Quiz: Can you name these 10 Liverpool players from the 2000s?
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praises Ryan Grevenberch post derby
Skipper and fellow Dutch teammate Virgil van Dijk commended Ryan Gravenberch as the defender had nothing but praise for his fellow countryman’s improvement.
“Ryan is unbelievable. He’s very important to the way we play. You can see the number of times I try to look for him. It benefits him, me and the team.”
“He’s in incredible shape, in the form of his life. He has to keep going. He’s still so young. The expectation level will always be right up there, and that’s what he has to try to reach every three or four days. It’s a nice challenge.”
“‘Macca’ can obviously cover the number six position at times. And because they try to go a bit man-v-man in the midfield, you have to try to take your marker away. Ryan did that outstandingly well. It was a great goal”, Van Dijk told The Athletic.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the sunshine and rainbows might be short-lived as Real Madrid are reported to be hunting Gravenberch extensively.
With an expected midfielder departure in 2026, Xabi Alonso is hoping to sign the 23-year-old Dutchman to replace any outgoings.
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