Just two short months ago, Liverpool fans were crying out for the club to splash the cash on Spain international Martin Zubimendi, but now 10 games into the season those worries seem a world away.
After Ryan Gravenberch struggled to reach the heights expected last season, no one could have predicted that he would be one of the first names on the team sheet just 10 games into the new campaign.
Liverpool failed to sign 25-year-old Zubimendi after the Spaniard was part of the successful Euro 2024 campaign in the summer, but as they currently sit top of the Premier League, it seems they have saved the £51 million fee. Gravenberch has announced himself as one of the most in form players in world football.
But how do the two ‘defensive midfielders’ compare?
According to FBref, Gravenberch leads in a number of key statistics, despite the fact that he has played two games less than Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi.
Dutchman Gravenberch has returned outstanding numbers so far this season, bettering Zubimendi in tackles won, interceptions, carries into the final third, and successful take-ons, to name a few key roles.
The surprise is not only in how Gravenberch compares against others in his position, it’s how he has improved his own game since last season. The 22-year-old has won 91.4% of his duels this season compared to just 7.6% last year, now he has completed 89% of his passes, a vast improvement on 82.3% last season and he has earned his place as mainstay in the team.
Liverpool are playing with a different system this season under new manager Arne Slot which could be playing a big part into the change in form, but Gravenberch is now starting and performing for his country now too.
After just 10 Liverpool games, it is still early in the season, but for now it appears that by not investing in the transfer window, they have found a new midfield sensation.
