'Easiest thing to do': Former Liverpool player calls out 'awful' star for his display in PSG meeting

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant was not happy watching his former side in action against PSG.The first half drew to a close with Hugo Ekitike forced off and the Reds largely failing to test the away outfit’s goalkeeper.Arne Slot made changes at the break to try and turn things around, but Pennant’s main issue during the clash was how Ryan Gravenberch was playing. Who was Liverpool’s most disappointing player against PSG on Tuesday?

We needed so much more… Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images Ryan Gravenberch’s lack of pressing vs PSG called outThe Dutchman has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s midfield this season, and while many stars have had poor patches, he has largely been solid.However, taking to X/Twitter on Tuesday evening, Pennant launched into a rant about Gravenberch failing to do the basics against the Ligue 1 giants.He wrote: “Gravenberch has been awful, calling it as I see it. Do you see how Liverpool don’t get a second on the ball?

“That folks is called pressing and you don’t need to be a Ballon d’Or winner to do that, that’s work on the training pitch and the easiest thing to do out of everything.”Liverpool told their midfield is a ‘big problem’While Gravenberch has been solid for parts of 2025/26, the centre of the pitch has been an area of concern at times this season.Wayne Rooney has previously said that midfield is a big problem for Arne Slot’s side.Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard also explained that he wants to see Liverpool sign a ‘dominant defensive midfielder’ so Gravenberch can be used further up the pitch.He said: “I remember speaking to [him], did an interview with Ryan and I said, ‘Mate, you’re an eight. You’re a box-to-box midfield player.’”Gerrard continued: “I just like them [Liverpool] to go out and go and get a real dominant defensive midfielder that can really help protect the back four a little bit more.”On that front, Sandro Tonali has been linked, though it has been suggested that a move to Manchester City is more likely for the Italian.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox