'He doesn't have that ability': Joleon Lescott picks who is the best No. 6 in the world - Gravenberch or Caicedo
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Ryan Gravenberch has proved himself to be one of the best holding midfielders in the world after a brilliant start to his Liverpool season.
The Reds have been on fine winning form, and one of the reasons for such success has been Gravenberch, with the team currently unbeaten in all competitions this season.
Last season, the Dutchman had become a revitalised player under Arne Slot, taking up a new position in the No.
6 role, which raised a few eyebrows, but since making the switch, he has not looked back.
Now he has continued this form and more, not only being a great holding player but also contributing more upfield for the squad, with four goal contributions in all competitions.
His last Man of the Match performance against Everton in the Premier League continued to prove why he is a key player in this team, which makes him irreplaceable in the starting XI.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
There had been attempts by the club in previous transfer windows to find a holding midfielder, with Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi being the options that many supporters will remember.
Caicedo was part of that high-profile transfer saga where Liverpool had agreed a fee for the former Brighton player, only for the deal to be scuppered by Chelsea, who swooped in for the player.
While the Ecuadorian is flourishing with the Blues, the 23-year-old Dutch international has far surpassed him as the best No.
6 in England’s top division.
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Joleon Lescott also believes that Gravenberch is better than the Chelsea player in their position, and also thinks the Liverpool midfielder should be in the conversation as the world’s best.
Speaking on The Mixer, Lescott explained why he believes he has the edge over Caicedo.
He said: “He’s brilliant.
He was arguably their best player last year.
So he’s definitely considered or he should be considered (best No.6), and if you said this on the weekend, if you’re one of the best in any position in the Premier League, you are going to be considered the best or one of the best in the world.
“The more rounded number six, which I think you have to be now… Like tempo, he controls the game.
He’s able to control how they attack and sustain attacks, where Caicedo doesn’t have that ability, in my opinion, just yet.”
As long as he stays fit for Slot’s side, he will play a huge role in maintaining the perfect start the team has had so far.
It may be too early to predict what will happen this season on the red side of Merseyside, but most signs point to a good level of success, which could include a league title and/or a Champions League.
After all the talk about the Ballon d’Or and the rankings of Liverpool players this season, there is a fair chance that if Gravenberch continues this consistency, he could be in contention for it.
It all depends on the success of the team, realistically.