Van Dijk says one Liverpool teammate is now ‘in the form of his life’
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has praised midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, describing him as being in the form of his life following a string of strong performances this season. Van Dijk emphasized that Gravenberch has been playing at an impressive level since last season, becoming a crucial figure in Liverpool’s midfield structure, especially after the arrival of manager Arne Slot who converted him effectively into a number six role. This tactical shift has allowed Gravenberch to flourish, benefitting both the player and the team.
Gravenberch's impact has been highlighted by key moments such as becoming the youngest player to score and assist in a Premier League Merseyside derby at just 23 years and 127 days old, as well as playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid. Van Dijk pointed out how often he seeks Gravenberch on the pitch, which underlines the midfielder's importance to Liverpool’s style of play.
Van Dijk acknowledged that while Gravenberch’s current level is exceptional, there remains room for growth given his youth. The £34 million spent to acquire him from Bayern Munich, following his development at Ajax’s academy, now seems a bargain considering his performances and importance to the team’s midfield dynamics.
Regarding Liverpool’s recent match performance, Van Dijk noted the challenge of maintaining leads in the Premier League, highlighting that games aren’t always comfortable and sometimes require resilience and fight to secure victories, as was evident when Liverpool had to manage a tense finish following a two-goal advantage that was reduced.
Overall, Van Dijk’s comments underscore Gravenberch’s rising influence and hint at a promising trajectory for the young midfielder as he continues to develop and assert his role at Liverpool.
PP