In a thrilling Merseyside derby at Anfield, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over rivals Everton, with Ryan Gravenberch emerging as the undisputed star of the show. The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder’s sensational performance not only earned him praise from fans but also sparked emphatic endorsements from teammates Curtis Jones and captain Virgil van Dijk, who both believe Gravenberch is playing the best football of his career.
Gravenberch Steals the Spotlight
The Reds took a commanding two-goal lead in the match, with Gravenberch opening the scoring with what was described as a “magical” goal. His strike set the tone for Liverpool’s dominance, and he further cemented his impact by providing an assist for Hugo Ekitike’s goal, doubling the hosts’ lead. Ekitike, continuing his fine form with his third goal in five outings, owed much to Gravenberch’s creativity. This performance saw Gravenberch become the youngest player in Liverpool’s history to score and assist in a Merseyside derby, a feat that sent Anfield into a frenzy.
Despite Idrissa Gueye pulling one back for Everton in the second half, Liverpool held firm, with Gravenberch’s influence in midfield proving pivotal in maintaining control during a nervy final half-hour. His tally of two goals and two assists in his opening five matches across all competitions this season underscores his growing importance to Arne Slot’s side.
Curtis Jones’ Bold Claim
Following the victory, Curtis Jones took to Instagram to shower praise on his teammate, commenting on Gravenberch’s post with a simple yet powerful declaration: “the best.” This bold statement resonated deeply with Liverpool supporters, who have been vocal in their admiration for the midfielder. Many fans echoed Jones’ sentiment, with some even proclaiming Gravenberch as the “best in the world” in his position after his standout display in a recent 1-0 win over Burnley.
Jones’ comment reflects the growing belief within the Liverpool squad that Gravenberch is not just a key player but a transformative force in midfield. His ability to dictate play, combined with his goal-scoring prowess and vision, has made him a cornerstone of Slot’s tactical setup.
Virgil van Dijk’s Glowing Endorsement
Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, was equally effusive in his praise for the young midfielder. Speaking to ESPN after the match, van Dijk described Gravenberch as being in the “form of his life” and emphasized his importance to the team’s playing style. “Not just this season, he’s been playing like that from the moment last season started. He’s unbelievable,” van Dijk said. “You see the amount of times I try to look for him. It benefits him, me, and the team. He’s in incredible shape.”
Van Dijk highlighted Gravenberch’s journey, noting that the midfielder had limited playing time during his first season at the club but has since flourished with increased confidence and a clear understanding of his role. “He’s still young,” van Dijk added. “The expectation level will always be right up there, and that’s what he has to try to reach every three or four days. I’m very pleased for him because he puts in a lot of hard work.”
The Dutch defender, who himself has been a linchpin for Liverpool this season—most notably with a 92nd-minute winner in a 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid—sees Gravenberch as a vital cog in the Reds’ machine. His comments underline the midfielder’s growing stature within the squad and his ability to handle the intense pressure of performing consistently at the highest level.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Masterstroke
Head coach Arne Slot also deserves credit for unlocking Gravenberch’s potential. The decision to drop high-profile players like Florian Wirtz and record signing Alexander Isak from the starting lineup against Everton raised eyebrows, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Slot’s faith in Gravenberch has been unwavering, and the midfielder’s performances have justified his inclusion as a first-team regular.
Slot himself acknowledged Gravenberch’s importance, pointing to his absence in the season opener against Bournemouth as a key reason why Liverpool struggled to maintain control after taking a two-goal lead. With Gravenberch now a mainstay in the lineup, discussions about Liverpool’s preferred midfield trio—once centered on new signings like Wirtz—have shifted. Gravenberch’s name is now one of the first on the teamsheet, and his place in the starting XI appears untouchable.
A Star on the Rise
Gravenberch’s meteoric rise has sent shockwaves through Anfield, with fans, teammates, and management united in their admiration for the young star. His blend of technical brilliance, physicality, and composure has made him a fan favorite and a vital component of Liverpool’s title-chasing squad. As the Reds continue their campaign, Gravenberch’s ability to maintain his scintillating form will be crucial, especially with the expectation of delivering standout performances every few days.
With Curtis Jones dubbing him “the best” and Virgil van Dijk declaring him to be in the form of his life, Ryan Gravenberch is no longer just a promising talent—he’s a bona fide star. Liverpool fans will be hoping that the 22-year-old’s magical displays are only the beginning of a glittering career at Anfield.