Liverpool player’s form surprises expert, who expresses shock over displays

Liverpool, enjoying one of their best starts to a season, have Ryan Gravenberch to thank as one of the standout performers. The Dutchman has been thriving, playing in 9 of Liverpool’s matches, only missing the Carabao Cup tie against West Ham. Scottish legend Steve Nicol has heaped praise on Gravenberch for his impressive displays and his ability to consistently overperform.

The Dutch has really been helping the team

Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich on deadline day in 2023 for a fee of £34.2m, earning £150,000 per week. Since then, he’s made 47 appearances for the Reds. Initially struggling with inconsistency, Gravenberch has since found his footing, growing in confidence and transforming into a crucial figure for the team. He has effectively filled the void left by Fabinho in midfield, stepping up as a reliable presence in Liverpool’s new-look squad.

Steve Nicol has lauded lots of praise on Ryan Gravenberch, stating that the Liverpool midfielder has astonished him with his remarkable improvement and performances this season.

Just six months ago, Gravenberch was seemingly a nobody in the Reds’ squad, with little indication that he would secure a regular starting spot at Anfield. However, his development has been so impressive that Nicol, a Liverpool legend himself, has been left in awe of the Dutchman’s transformation into a key player for the team.

A future icon in making

Since Arne Slot’s arrival on Merseyside, the former Ajax man is a footballer reborn and has become one of the first names on the team sheet for LFC.

Speaking on the ESPN FC YouTube channel, Nicol praised the 22-year-old. He gushed:

“Talk about coming from absolutely nowhere… My goodness, what he’s produced – talk about putting somebody in the perfect position.“

Steve Nicol isn’t the only pundit to praise Ryan Gravenberch this season, and he certainly won’t be the last. Last season, the Dutchman struggled to find his rhythm under Jurgen Klopp, starting only 12 Premier League games and making 14 appearances off the bench. He seemed unsure on the ball and lacked confidence defensively.

However, with Arne Slot’s arrival, Gravenberch has transformed. At 22, he’s now playing the best football of his career, significantly improving Liverpool’s midfield. His revitalized form has contributed to Liverpool’s impressive start to the season, with the team currently sitting at the top of the Premier League.

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When Martin Zubimendi turned down a summer move to Anfield, many feared Liverpool would struggle without a world-class number 6. However, Gravenberch has defied expectations, filling the void left by Fabinho and exceeding all projections. His form has been a crucial factor in Liverpool’s strong start, and fans will be hopeful that his resurgence continues as the club aims for major honors this season.