Liverpool’s strong start to the season continued on Saturday, taking a 2-1 win over rivals Everton in the latest installment of the Merseyside Derby. While the win may not have been unexpected, the offensive output coming from holding midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was a bit of a surprise. The Dutch midfielder scored the opening goal with a sublime half-volley and assisted the second with a perfectly weighted through ball for Hugo Ekitike.
After the match, Gravenberch answered questions about his Man
of the Match performance. When asked about the goal, he said he made the run knowing Mohamed Salah would be putting the ball into the space created by having the ball wide.
“I’m really happy with the goal. Last season I didn’t score a lot, so I’m happy that I could score. Especially in the Merseyside derby as well.”
“We know if Mo has got the ball, he has an incredible pass. We know if someone is on the ball side, they have to go through and the space is coming behind. I saw it and I went in behind… and I did a thing!”
Yes, Ryan, you certainly did do a thing. After exploding onto the scene last season as a silky-smooth holding midfielder, Gravenberch has been getting involved higher up the pitch in the early stages of this season. He said that is due to Arne Slot allowing the midfield players to have more freedom after a year in the system.
“It’s the coach that gives me the confidence. This season we have more freedom in the midfield. Last season I was only on the six, like deep, deep. Now I can go more forward, which you saw today. My strength is also there. I’m happy with that and also happy with the goal.”
Liverpool have now won all six competitive matches to open the season, including five in the Premier League and one in the Champions League. Despite the early results, it is clear that the Reds are still working to fully hit their stride as quite a new few players are getting integrated into the squad. When asked about if Liverpool have “gears to go”, Gravenberch said the quality of the depth means everyone is pushing each other.
“Yeah, of course. We know we have a good group. We bought players as well, really good players, so we know it’s not only the starting XI, it’s the whole team. We are like a family, so we push each other. You see now for example, Hugo scored today and then [Alexander] Isak comes in and gives his all. I’m really happy with the squad.”
Liverpool will remain top of the table for another week with the three points, and made sweeter taking the win over Everton. Gravenberch says he enjoyed the moment, but now it is on to recovery and preparing for Southampton in the EFL cup.
“Now we are top of the league and it’s always nice to win a Merseyside derby. I’m really happy, going to recover and we keep going on Tuesday.”
