Jamie Carragher has compared Ryan Gravenberch to a Premier League legend ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham.
The Reds are taking on Spurs in the semi-final second leg of the Carabao Cup, trailing by one going into the game yet still favourites to overturn the deficit and set up a final against Newcastle at Wembley.
Gravenberch started the match in midfield, filling in his now-regular No 6 role as he guarded the back four, who could scarcely afford to concede if they were to qualify for the final.
The 22-year-old has received widespread plaudits for his showings this season, and Carragher sang his praises on Sky Sports’ coverage of the semi-final.
In the summer, Liverpool tried to buy Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard rejected the chance to move to Anfield. They didn’t look elsewhere, with Gravenberch dropping back instead.
And his performances have been so impressive that Carragher compared him to one of the most iconic Premier League midfielders of all time when discussing the midfielder before the game.
‘It is really interesting as they thought a lot of him when he came in,’ Carragher began. ‘The reason Bayern Munich let him go was because they played a different system. Liverpool played 4-3-3, he was more of an attacking midfielder, he would go on runs with his long legs.
‘When Liverpool tried out players in the six, he was trialling them. They weren’t fully sure of the idea – he was he was more attacking. I was really intrigued, but I couldn’t see how it would work.
‘The highest compliment I can give him is he would be in the running for player of the year, he reminisces of Patrick Vieira, the long legs, moving through midfield. He has been a revelation.’
More to follow.
