Ryan Gravenberch did something in Liverpool vs Wolves that no Premier League midfielder has done since 2012
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Ryan Gravenberch has finally found his feet at Liverpool with Arne Slot at the helm – having struggled to impose himself under Jurgen Klopp.
The Netherlands international was a fringe player last season, making just 12 starts out of a possible 38 in the Premier League, but has already made six Premier League starts out of a possible six this term.
Even Dominik Szoboszlai has noticed an improvement in Gravenberch under Slot.
It has been quite the turnaround from Ryan Gravenberch – who arguably delivered his best performance yet for Liverpool in Saturday’s win over Wolves…
Ryan Gravenberch delivers Premier League display not seen since Sandro back in 2012
The Liverpool No.38 delivered quite the display at Molineux on Saturday, as goals from Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah secured a 2-1 win.
As Opta shows, Gravenberch became the first midfielder since Sandro back in April 2012 to contest more than five duels in a match with a 100% success rate, make over three tackles with a 100% success rate, and also make over 50 passes with a success rate of at least 90%.
When you consider the fact that the Premier League has housed stellar midfielders such as Kevin De Bruyne, Cesc Fabregas, Paul Pogba, Santi Cazorla and Rodri – to name a few – between now and 2012, that is quite the achievement from the Dutchman.
Gravenberch was even awarded the Man of the Match award by Sky Sports at Molineux – despite Konate hilariously suggesting that he deserved to win it instead.
Liverpool have struck gold in the transfer market yet again
It is hard to find a midfielder who can be combative but also clean with his passing – although Liverpool have done exactly that, all for a sum of just £34m.
Liverpool have a habit of finding gems in the market in the £30m – £40m bracket, having also signed Salah for only £34m in a deal from Roma back in June 2017.
There was also the £37m move for Luis Diaz – who Don Hutchison thinks could play for Real Madrid right now, after scoring five goals in six Premier League games so far this season.
Furthermore, Konate – who Michael Owen feels can replace Virgil van Dijk – cost £36m, while Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo were both £35m signings.
Evidently, Liverpool are masters are navigating their way through this area of the transfer market.
