Trent Alexander-Arnoldpossible transfer of to Real Madrid continues to rumble like thunder over Merseyside, with fears intensifying as Liverpool go into the new year having failed to make significant progress in negotiations.
It’s worrying for those of Reds persuasion, but at least Liverpool are firing on all cylinders this season and trying to lift the biggest and shiniest pieces of silverware.
So many players were outstanding down there Arne slot machinehis regular guidance.
Liverpool’s best players in 2024/25
The most important member of Liverpool is of course Mohamed Salahwhose incredibly productive performances this season have served as the offensive fuel for Slot’s success.
At the other end of the field, captain Virgil van Dijk he leads with unparalleled authority, galvanizing his troops and upholding the highest defensive virtues as he stakes his claim to be the best centre-half in the world right now.
Both out of contract at the end of the season, the experienced duo have not let the noise deter them from their goals on the pitch and to be fair, the same can be said for Alexander-Arnold, even with Real Madrid are reportedly growing in confidence that they can catch him this year.
All the fantastic players are enjoying fantastic seasons – and there are plenty of Redmen still thriving. However, it is Ryan Gravenberch who might just be the pick of the bunch this term, because he has subverted the narrative around him to mold himself into an unlikely superstar.
The shocking rise of Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool signed the attacking midfielder from Bayern Munich for £34m last season, something of a risk after failing to make it work in Germany despite earning a so-far fine reputation with Ajax back home.
The 22-year-old has hardly missed a minute for Slott’s Liverpool this season, with compatriot Gravenberch sparking his latent qualities as a number six and pointing him towards the highest echelon of midfielders.
Real Madrid reportedly were willing to pay £20m for Alexander-Arnold this winter to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu now, but Liverpool have laughed that off the transfer table. That’s surprising when you consider Gravenberch, who carries a £47m transfer fee. at this moment, according to Transfermarktbut of course mitigating factors are involved.
Gravenberch controls the engine room with bravery and skill, combining an easy-moving style with a tenacious defensive game that has been sharpened and focused since the offseason.
Few – if any – predicted this level of improvement following Klopp’s departure, having failed to coax the right tune out of the Dutchman’s skill set.
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Now, he is absolutely thriving, particularly given that Gravenberch is considered Moises Caicedo’s most comparable Premier League player this season, according to FBref. Considering the Chelsea midfielder’s monetary value, it’s clear that the Dutch native could eclipse the likes of Trent in the market even without the contract factor.
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Premier League 24/25 – Ryan Gravenberch vs Moises Caicedo |
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|---|---|---|
|
Stats (per 90) |
||
|
Goals |
0.00 |
0.05 |
|
It helps |
0.12 |
0.11 |
|
Completion of pass |
90.1% |
88.5% |
|
Passes attempted |
59,60 |
62.81 |
|
Progressive passes |
5.43 |
5.66 |
|
Progressive transfers |
2.14 |
0.91 |
|
Successful withdrawals |
0.98 |
0.53 |
|
Ball recovery |
5.26 |
6.14 |
|
Tackle + cuts |
4.05 |
4.81 |
|
Block |
1.16 |
1.12 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
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In August 2023, Liverpool failed to convince the Ecuadorian midfielder to abandon his potential move to Chelsea despite seeing a British bid of £115m accepted by Brighton.
Instead, Liverpool were forced to sign Wataru Endo as Fabinho’s heir apparent before completing an exciting summer rebuild with the signing of Gravenberch.
He may have only started 11 Premier League games Jurgen Kloppebbs and flows, but is now irreplaceable as the deep anchor of Slot’s thriving mid lane.
Liverpool are chasing the Premier League and Champions League titles and if they succeed in each endeavour, Gravenberch will be seen as an intrinsic and important part of the triumph.
Liverpool have their own version of the £115million Chelsea man. Given that Gravenberch cost more than three times less than that exorbitant figure, Slot and his siblings will hardly begrudge FSG’s previous transfer failure.
