5 hours ago
23
Joleon Lescott believes Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch could be the finest holding midfielder on the planet. The Dutch international has been transformed under Reds manager Arne Slot.
Gravenberch joined the Merseyside club in 2023 from German powerhouses Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, under Jurgen Klopp, he struggled to establish himself initially and received limited opportunities. However, under Slot's guidance, Gravenberch has evolved from a peripheral figure to the engine room of Liverpool's midfield and played a crucial part in their Premier League triumph last season.
He shone as the Reds overcame local rivals Everton 2-1 last week, netting and providing an assist, and former Toffees defender Lescott believes the 23-year-old is now amongst, if not the finest, No. 6 globally.
When questioned on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, whether Gravenberch is the world's premier holding midfielder, Lescott responded: "There's an argument for it.
"His contributions, his goals and assists. He's been in a title-winning team. He's been the best No. 6 in the league. He was arguably their best player last year.
"He should definitely be considered. If you're one of the best in any position in the Premier League, then you're going to be considered the best in the world."
Following his outstanding display against Everton at Anfield, club captain Virgil van Dijk lavished praise on his fellow countryman, declaring: "Ryan is unbelievable.
"He's very important to the way we play. You can see the number of times I try to look for him. It benefits him, me and the team. He's in incredible shape, in the form of his life.
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"He has to keep going. He's still so young. The expectation level will always be right up there, and that's what he has to try to reach every three or four days. It's a nice challenge.
"During his first season here, he hardly played. It's a mix of everything. Getting confidence, progressing and improving as a player, playing games at the highest level and your role in the team. I'm very pleased for him because he puts in a lot of hard work to do what he's doing today."
Gravenberch featured in just 12 Premier League fixtures during Klopp's final campaign at the helm.
By comparison, he was named in the starting XI for all but one league encounter under Slot last year, and has begun every match this season as well, except for the club's curtain-raiser against Bournemouth, when he served a suspension.
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