Liverpool legend blasts Reds star who has 'escaped criticism' - 'Completely disappeared'

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballRyan GravenberchRyan Gravenberch has had his performances criticised as Liverpool's season goes from bad to worseLiverpool great Steve Nicol has taken aim at Ryan Gravenberch, claiming the Dutchman has "completely disappeared" during the Reds' current woes. Gravenberch started in midfield in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, before dropping into defence as part of Arne Slot's changes in the second period which included replacing Ibrahima Konate with Hugo Ekitike.The Reds have now lost six of their last seven Premier League matches to slump down into the bottom half of the table, with all hopes of defending the title they won last season now seemingly in tatters.Gravenberch was a vital part of the team which secured Premier League glory in 2024/25, having been stationed in a new, deeper lying midfield role by his compatriot Slot.READ MORE: Harvey Elliott hits new Aston Villa low as £35m Liverpool transfer put further in doubt by teenagerREAD MORE: Arne Slot faces tough Ibrahima Konate decision as Liverpool consider another overhaulGravenberch played in 37 of the 38 league games last season, starting every one right up until the league was secured with four matches still to play.He was injured in the 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester United earlier this month, missing three matches as a result including the 3-2 defeat at Brentford, but when fit he remains one of the first names on Slot's teamsheet.However, ex-Reds star Nicol feels he isn't pulling his weight.Speaking to ESPN, the four-time league title winner said: "There is one guy who has escaped criticism so far...

Gravenberch."This is a guy who, no question after Salah and maybe Van Dijk, was maybe Liverpool's best player last year."He was in the right place at the right time, made decisions, started attacks."His main job is to be that block in front of the back four, orders the other two around, let them go forward when they can and he fills in behind and covers the holes. He has done none of that this year."I know he missed a couple of games but he absolutely has done none of that."Gravenberch is another one who, as fantastic as he was last year, has completely disappeared again."