Liverpool extended their perfect start to the Premier League season with a battling 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield, and once again Ryan Gravenberch was at the heart of it all.
The Dutch midfielder opened the scoring with a stunning half-volley before turning provider for Hugo Ekitike, who doubled Liverpool’s lead inside the first half-hour. In doing so, the 23-year-old became the youngest player to both score and assist in a Premier League Merseyside derby.
Beyond his goal contributions, Gravenberch’s influence was felt across the pitch. He tied for the team-high in recoveries (seven) and ranked second in completed passes (47), underlining his growing importance under Arne Slot.
Everton clawed their way back into the contest after the break, with Idrissa Gueye rifling home to reduce the deficit, but Liverpool held firm to claim their fifth straight league win of the season. Still, Slot’s side has yet to keep a clean sheet this campaign, an area that could prove costly in a title race against a defensively solid Arsenal.
Gravenberch’s impact, however, cannot be overlooked. Once seen as a fringe signing when he arrived from Bayern Munich in 2022 for £34 million, he has since developed into a linchpin of Slot’s midfield. Last season, only Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk played more minutes for the Reds as Gravenberch thrived in a new deep-lying role, particularly after Liverpool missed out on signing Martín Zubimendi.
Speaking after the game, Slot praised the midfielder’s all-around performance:
“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 helps out defensively. Even without the goal and assist, he would’ve played really well.”
Gravenberch now has two league goals this season, having also scored in the win over Newcastle United. For a player who failed to score in the league last term, his improvement reflects both his maturity and Slot’s ability to unlock his potential.
As Liverpool chase back-to-back league titles, it is becoming clear that Salah and Van Dijk are no longer the only indispensable names in red. Gravenberch has emerged as one of the pillars of Slot’s new Liverpool — a player whose mix of composure, work rate, and attacking drive makes him irreplaceable.
