Liverpool midfielder proves to Arne Slot why he is one of the world’s best after brilliant Burnley performance - opinion
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Liverpool may have narrowly won against Burnley on Sunday, but this star showed once again why he is the best in the world in his position.
Arne Slot’s men were once again saved by a surprise late moment, which secured three points that otherwise looked out of reach at Turf Moor after 90 minutes of the away side struggling to get past the defensive display of Scott Parker’s side.
But it was a depleted defence after a red card, and matters were made worse when Hannibal Majbri gave away a game-changing penalty, which was finished superbly by Mohamed Salah.
It was an overall team performance, though, which was not convincing or entertaining for supporters.
Admittedly, it was not all bad with a defensive display from Virgil van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konate preventing the Clarets counterattacks in the very minimal opportunities the home side had.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
However, it was Ryan Gravenberch’s quality that shone through the rest in that game, and the two other matches he started, which have proved to Slot that he is of the highest calibre.
When he was signed to the club under Jurgen Klopp for £34 million, his first appearances in a Liverpool shirt looked poor as he seemed to struggle to fit into the squad.
But once he changed position, played deeper, and took on a defensive midfield role, his incredible attributes were on display for all to see, becoming a huge focal point for the Dutch manager’s Premier League title success last year.
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This standard of play has returned this season, and it was evident on Sunday why no one in the world can match him in that position.
His passing was on point throughout the match with a 91% accuracy, accompanied by four chances created in a game where his side were not creating enough, he stepped up to try and deliver something.
As usual, his clearances were important in sweeping aside any chances the opposition may have and he won the majority of his duels.
While his four shots did not register on target, there was clearly an effort there, and the focus should be on his passing and defending in the centre of the park, where he was a commanding force.
Supporters can also see how important he is and the brilliant performance he had by voting him their Man of the Match.
He even showed a little bit of skill with an audacious flick to take the ball over the head of a Burnley player.
With rumours over the last window of a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, he is not needed with the 23-year-old Dutch sensation around.
While Wharton possesses heaps of potential, he cannot compete with what Gravenberch brings to the team in calmness and defensive acumen.
The former Bayern Munich player also has three years left on his contract, and if he can continue to be the best out there, the club has to persuade him to put pen to paper in the years to come.
A reliable and proven midfielder, there is no denying that Liverpool have a great force in their midfield department, which is the difference maker against teams at the top level.