Forget the Virgil van Dijk, the £100m signings and Mo Salah. Ryan Gravenberch is Liverpool’s real MVP

Last Updated on 18 September 2025

Mohamed Salah may have single-handedly scored the goals that got Liverpool their 20th Premier League title but he’s not the most important player in the Reds’ star-studded XI.

Ryan Gravenberch’s impact was heavily stated over the course of last season. The Dutch midfielder emerged as the ideal solution to Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.

He anchored the midfield to perfection, helping provide solidity at the back and connecting seamlessly with their attack.

And even with five late winners in five games, so far this season, it’s Gravenberch’s unique skillset that keeps Liverpool ticking.

Ryan Gravenberch is the most crucial factor in Liverpool’s bid to win big this season

Having won four games in a row to start the season with late winners in each of them, Arne Slot’s side kicked off their Champions League campaign on the frontfoot.

Only three minutes into the game against Atletico Madrid, Gravenberch’s touch won the Reds a free-kick in a dangerous area. Mohamed Salah’s attempt from the free-kick was converted by Andrew Robertson.

Minutes later, Gravenberch finds Salah under pressure with a superb pass. Once again, Salah’s shot ends in a goal and just like that Atleti are two-nil down with 6 minutes on the clock.

Yet, that was only Gravenberch’s first assist of the season. His only goal came at St James Park when he slammed home from range.

But it’s not his attacking contributions that make him such an underrated asset for Slot. It’s his all-round play. Gravenberch offers a range of skills that few other midfielders can rival in all of Europe.

Ryan Gravenberch might not be the best midfielder but he certainly is one of the most complete

He’s a decent ball-winner, and an exceptional ball-carrier. His passing can definitely improve but, then again, it’s easy to forget that despite making his professional debut seven years ago, the Dutch midfielder is still only 23.

Just look at Liverpool’s start to the season. They were extremely vulnerable on the counter for the first couple of games. Case in point: Antoine Semenyo’s brilliant solo goal at Anfield.

Before the curtain raiser at Anfield, Liverpool had struggled at Wembley, too, against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

Gravenberch returned to first XI after a suspension and his first game was Newcastle at St James Park. Liverpool were already much improved in general play, conceding only from setpieces.

Since then, they kept two cleansheets, against Arsenal at Anfield and Burnley at Turf Moor and have dealt with counter attacks much more proficiently.

Dutch influence on Merseyside key to Liverpool’s great start to the campaign

Even before Arne Slot’s arrival at Anfield, Liverpool boasted a strong Dutch connection.

Virgil van Dijk had been made captain by Jurgen Klopp. Cody Gakpo arrived after raving review from Klopp’s Dutch righthand man, Pep Ljinders, according to This Is Anfield. While Gravenberch was also signed in Klopp’s last season at Anfield.

Slot signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, this summer, before replacing the outgoing John Heitinga with Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

And, as far as performances and results are concerned, they’re all pulling their weight. Cody Gakpo may not be the most pleasing on the eye, but he’s a consistent goal and assist magnet, already with 3 direct goal contributions this season.

Jeremie Frimpong suffered an injury but not before scoring a goal on his professional debut for Liverpool in the Community Shield and set the stage alight on his return against Atletico Madrid.

Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has started the season tremendously well, showing that age is just a number. And if there is a player that has overshadowed van Dijk’s brilliant start, it’s Gravenberch, who hasn’t put a foot wrong for Liverpool, so far this season.

And, Slot wrote himself into Liverpool folklore, winning the record-equalling 20th title in his first season.

If Liverpool are to repeat the success of last season, or go even further this campaign, their strong Dutch roots will have a big part to play.