Danny Murphy names unsung Liverpool hero in Everton win after Virgil van Dijk winner

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Liverpool recorded an important last-gasp victory over Everton in Sunday's Merseyside derby, and Danny Murphy was particularly impressed by the performance of one of the Reds' midfiielders

Ryan Gravenberch, left, impressed Danny Murphy for Liverpool against Everton(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Danny Murphy praised Ryan Gravenberch for his performance during Liverpool's Merseyside derby victory over Everton on Sunday.

The game looked to be heading for a 1-1 draw when Virgil van Dijk popped up with an injury-time winner to provide a huge boost to the Reds' hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Liverpool's fate now seems to be in its own hands, with a healthy seven-point gap to sixth-place Chelsea. And while Van Dijk may have stolen the headlines, it was another Dutchman – Gravenberch – who impressed former Reds midfielder Murphy the most on the day.

"Everton played well, especially in the first half, but Liverpool did show some creativity," Murphy said as he assessed the game. "It wasn't great from a defensive point of view. It was a bit chaotic and all over the place at times.

"But from a creative perspective, it was better. Robertson playing left-back was much calmer.

"I thought the biggest influence was Gravenberch - playing like he did last season, going past people, being confident, dictating play. I thought he was Liverpool's best player and did so many good things.

"Liverpool just seemed more balanced and more free in its attacking play. Liverpool has been rightly criticized for its poor pressing this season but it was much better."

Virgil van Dijk scored Liverpool's winner against Everton(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot's men now sit fifth on 55 points, while Chelsea, Brentford and Bournemouth are sixth, seventh and eighth respectively on 48 points.

It has already been confirmed that a top-five Premier League finish will be enough to secure qualification for next season's Champions League, and after the game Van Dijk spoke of just how important it will be for the club to salvage that from a disappointing season.

"One hundred per cent," Van Dijk said. "We’ve got five more games left against teams that are also fighting for the Champions League spots.

"Every game is a big one. Like I said, we are very disappointed as a whole for the season that we’re having, because of the quality we have – it’s below standards.

"But we have to keep fighting, keep going and make the best out of this difficult, poor season that we’re having. That’s the reality.

"Onto the next. Today was a good three points and next up is Crystal Palace at home, [who] we couldn’t beat for many, many games so far."