Premier League legend Alan Shearer has included Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch in his Team of the Week after the Dutchman’s exceptional performance over the weekend.
The Netherlands international played a starring role in Liverpool’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.
Gravenberch didn’t get his name on the scoresheet or contribute an assist, but his imposing presence in the middle of the park played a huge role in Liverpool’s dominating victory.
Anchoring the midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch was at the centre of Liverpool’s fluid attacking brand of football.
He had 96 touches, completed a key pass, two out of three long balls, and a dribble. He also won five of his eight ground duels and two of his three aerial battles.
His performance was enough to earn a spot in Shearer’s team.
The legendary Newcastle United striker said (via Premierleague.com): “Instrumental in Liverpool’s midfield. He’s adapted really well to a more defensive role under Arne Slot.”
Gravenberch has played every minute of Premier League and Champions League football for Liverpool so far, establishing himself as a key part of Slot’s set-up.
However, he’ll likely be handed a breather when the Reds take on West Ham United in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.
Gravenberch’s teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz were also named in Shearer’s Team of the Week.
Alexander-Arnold set up Diaz for the second goal and helped the Reds keep a clean sheet, their fourth in five Premier League games in the Slot era.
Diaz, meanwhile, bagged a two-minute brace to take his tally to five Premier League goals and has been a key player for the Reds this season.
The Colombian is one of a number of players that could start the midweek cup clash on the bench, but he could get minutes if Liverpool require his services.
Stats from Sofascore.com
