Former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves feels Liverpool are unlikely to win the Premier League with Ryan Gravenberch in the number six role.
Arne Slot has done wonders since taking over from Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s new manager. The Dutch boss hasn’t found it difficult to adjust to life in the English top flight and his team are currently top of the table following their win over Wolves.
With five wins and a loss in their first six outings, the Reds now have a points lead over defending champions City. While they do seem to be one of the title contenders at this point in time, former Bayern Munich midfield star Owen Hargreaves is not confident about their midfield star Ryan Gravenberch.
The Merseyside club were keen on signing a holding midfielder in the summer. Unfortunately, they couldn’t strike a deal to bring in a new number six and the Dutch international has been used in that role. While the 22-year-old has done wonders so far, Hargreaves has his doubts about him.
Owen Hargreaves is not confident about Gravenberch
While speaking on Premier League productions following Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wolves, the 43-year-old said via TBR: “He has done brilliantly well, but he is not a defensive midfield player, which is fine because when you are playing teams like this which you will beat,”
“He is 190cm. He is 22 years old. He has got everything. But he is not a specialist defensive midfield player. There is a difference. I think he is a brilliant midfield player, he is a box-to-box, depending on who you play.
“But I think in a big game, in a one-off game, to go and win the Premier League or the Champions League, I think you need a specialist. Liverpool showed that with Fabinho or Manchester City showed that with Rodri. I still think they will address his position. But credit Gravenberch, he has grabbed his chance and that’s all you need. He said ‘what’s different?’ And he said ‘just play me’. That’s what you need as a player, you need someone to trust you and he has proven it. I still think tougher tests will come – I love what he is doing, but I still think they will go and get somebody.”
The lack of a world-class number six
Liverpool had revamped their midfield in the summer of 2022. They wanted to bring in a world-class defensive midfielder but had to settle for Wataru Endo who was considered a stop-gap signing. The Reds tried to sign a new number six in the summer but they could not convince their top target Martin Zubimendi about a move.
They failed to bring in someone and Slot eventually decided to use Gravenberch in that role and so far, he has done most things right. But, Hargreaves feels with the youngster in the defensive midfield, Liverpool do not have what it takes to win the Premier League or the Champions League.
The former Ajax midfielder has all the qualities and he can surely help them out in most cases. But, the 43-year-old feels in a do-or-die game when they go up against a top club, they will need a specialist to get the job done, something they don’t have.
Gravenberch was the Man of the Match in their game against Wolves. While he surely seems to be doing his best, Hargreaves is not sure that he will be able to deliver in the big games.
