'So different': McManaman says 'excellent' Liverpool player is completely unique after watching him v Bologna
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Liverpool made it two wins from two in the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Serie A side Bologna.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah secured the three points for the Reds with Alisson Becker the star of the show for Liverpool as the Anfield side faced tough opposition in Bologna on Merseyside.
Another player who impressed on the night was Ryan Gravenberch, who Arne Slot singled out for praise at full-time with the Liverpool manager pleased with what he saw from the Dutch international against Bologna.
And Steve McManaman was also taken aback by what he saw from the 22-year-old in the Champions League.
Gravenberch ‘so different’ from other no. 6s after Liverpool showcase
Speaking on TNT Sports coverage of the match, the former Liverpool star shared what makes Gravenberch so unique compared to other midfielders in his position, with McManaman noting that the Dutch youngster’s movement makes him a threat.
McManaman said when highlighting one moment of skill from the Liverpool talent: “This is what he gives you as a no. 6. His mobility is excellent, he’s so different to the traditional no. 6s who sit and pass and play side-to-side.”
With Liverpool fans blown away by Gravenberch after one moment of skill against Bologna, it’s clear that the midfielder is carving a niche for himself with the Reds as a unique no. 6 that is thriving with each passing game.
And against Bolgona, even after some sloppy moments on and off the ball, Gravenberch still showed immense quality in his midfield role, with the 22-year-old becoming a real key player for Slot in this Liverpool system.
Gravenberch can become even better than he currently is
Gravenberch is the youngest player in Liverpool’s traditional starting XI this season under Slot, with the midfielder and Dominik Szoboszlai the only two players aged 23 or younger in what is quite a mature side that is mostly at its peak.
Which is why the excitement around Gravenberch is more than warranted, with the midfielder showing real promise with every game with Liverpool this season and making real progress alongside Mac Allister in the engine room.
And given how young Gravenberch is, there’s every chance that the former Bayern Munich man can become one of the best in the world in what he does, provided that Liverpool can keep the midfielder fit and healthy this season.
