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Rio Ferdinand recently praised Liverpool's midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, highlighting his remarkable performances this season. The Dutch star has emerged as a key player under manager Arne Slot, after a slow start following his £34.2 million transfer from Bayern Munich. Initially struggling to fit into Jurgen Klopp’s squad, Gravenberch has seized the opportunity in Liverpool’s midfield, earning widespread acclaim including from former players like Jamie Carragher.
Ferdinand went further in analyzing Liverpool’s midfield dynamics, suggesting that Gravenberch’s development has changed the Reds’ prospects this season. He described the 23-year-old as “sensational” and emphasized how his growth in the number six role has been crucial. This reflects a broader consensus that Liverpool’s midfield is among the best in the Premier League, significantly due to Gravenberch’s influence.
Alongside Gravenberch, there has been talk about Liverpool’s interest in bringing back Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, the player who replaced Gravenberch at the German club but struggled to make an impact. Liverpool’s potential signing of Palhinha would bolster their midfield options, echoing previous successful deals such as Thiago Alcantara’s move from Bayern to Anfield.
Gravenberch’s form this season is underscored by standout performances like his recent match against Everton where he scored and assisted, earning a player rating of 9/10. Such displays have helped Liverpool maintain a strong position in the Premier League title race, with pundits including Ferdinand adjusting their predictions based on Liverpool’s improved squad strength.
The Dutch international’s commitment to Liverpool appears solid despite interest from European giants like Real Madrid, as he sees his future at Anfield where he is thriving. This marks a significant turnaround from his initial struggles and reflects the tactical evolution under Slot’s management that maximizes his potential.
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PP