Ryan Gravenberch led Liverpool to a 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday, standing out in a match that was far from comfortable.
Liverpool started well but ended up defending a narrow lead late on, something they have had to get used to this season.
First-half goals from Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike were enough to see them through, though it was not without its nervous moments.
The Dutch midfielder has picked up where he left off last season, when he was named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year.
If he keeps playing like this, bigger honours could be on the horizon. His goal against Everton was well taken, and he also set up Ekitike for his finish with a clever pass.
Arne Slot will have been pleased with what he saw from his compatriot. After the game, the coach pointed out something beyond the goal and assist that stood out to him about Gravenberch’s performance.
Arne Slot nearly substituted Ryan Gravenberch during Everton clash
Gravenberch has become a mainstay in Arne Slot’s line-ups, rarely missing out on selection.
He started 37 of Liverpool’s 38 league games last season and has not missed a minute when available so far this term.
In that landscape, Slot said he was about to bring Gravenberch off during the Everton match, but the timing of Everton’s goal changed his mind.
“I was planning to take him off after 60 minutes, but then we conceded a goal.
“He took the spotlight mainly because of the attacking things he does, but I also see how much he runs off the ball, how many times he’s there to help out Conor [Bradley] when he’s in a two vs one situation, and the same with Dominik Szoboszlai.
“The amount of sprints they make to help Conor, but a bit Mo Salah as well. Because of that we can leave Mo a bit more forward and get the best out of Mo also.”
Gravenberch gets a rest in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup tie
Gravenberch has barely missed a game under Arne Slot, and while the midfielder would have benefited from a late break against Everton, Liverpool just are not the same without him.
Slot needs to find solutions to this, or there is a real risk of burning out his midfielder.
But Gravenberch is due for a rest this week, with Slot confirming that he will be sitting out alongside Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai for their match against Southampton.
The Reds host the Saints in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night at Anfield. Several of Slot’s squad players are expected to get minutes during that game.
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