Liverpool bounced back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday. Although the scoreline may have suggested a straightforward match, the Reds had to work hard to overcome the Cherries, but they were never really in danger of repeating their previous week’s loss to Nottingham Forest.
Several Liverpool players stood out during the match, with pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor highlighting four in particular: Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ibrahima Konate. Many of Arne Slot’s men appeared to be returning to their best form after a somewhat inconsistent start to the season.
Ryan Gravenberch could be the hidden gem needed after missing out on Zubimendi
One of the standout performers was Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who has made a strong case to be considered Liverpool’s player of the season so far. Gravenberch has quickly gone from a bit-part player to a key figure in Slot’s midfield, and his performances against Bournemouth further solidified his growing influence.
Ryan Gravenberch. Credit: Imago Images
However, pundit Ian Wright believes there’s still more to see from the 22-year-old. Speaking on The Kelly & Wrighty Show, Wright praised Gravenberch’s impact but expressed the desire to see how he performs against the Premier League’s top teams.
Wright suggested that Liverpool’s failure to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer may have been a blessing in disguise, as it has allowed Gravenberch to shine.
“You could say that with Zubimendi not going through, they could have really unearthed the one for themselves now,” Wright said, adding that if Gravenberch can perform at the same level against the top sides, Liverpool may have “struck gold” with their midfield solution.
Wrighty added: “Because when you watch those games, and obviously, we want to see him against the maybe the top three, top four, and if he’s putting in those kind of performances, then obviously Liverpool have like struck gold because he seems to have everything, He has got all the attributes.”
Will big games be the deciding factor in Gravenberch’s future as Liverpool’s no. 6?
Ryan Gravenberch’s performances for Liverpool so far have been nothing short of impressive, but the true test of his potential as the Reds’ long-term defensive midfielder could lie in how he performs against the Premier League’s top sides.
Ryan Gravenberch. Credit: Imago Images
While he has shown flashes of brilliance and consistency in games against mid-table opposition like Bournemouth, it’s the encounters with the league’s heavyweights that will determine whether he can truly fill the role of Liverpool’s no. 6.
Big matches against teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham will give Gravenberch the opportunity to prove himself on a larger stage. These high-stakes games demand not only technical ability but also mental resilience and leadership—traits that every top-class defensive midfielder must possess. If Gravenberch can hold his own and deliver commanding performances against the league’s elite, it would solidify his place in Arne Slot’s plans moving forward.
Ryan Gravenberch. Credit: Imago Images
Ian Wright has pointed out that while Gravenberch has all the attributes to succeed, the key question remains whether he can consistently perform at the highest level in the most challenging fixtures.
His ability to break up play, maintain composure under pressure, and dictate the tempo against top-tier opposition will be crucial in convincing Liverpool that they don’t need to return to the transfer market for someone like Martin Zubimendi.
These upcoming fixtures will be critical in shaping Gravenberch’s future at Anfield. If he excels in these matches, Liverpool could very well have found their long-term midfield anchor, a player capable of being the backbone of the team for years to come.
On the other hand, struggles in these games could reignite the club’s interest in bolstering the midfield further. Either way, the next few months will provide a clear picture of just how vital Gravenberch can be to Liverpool’s ambitions.
