Liverpool’s Dutch spine has been a key part of the reason why the Reds top the Premier League halfway through October.
Captain Virgil van Dijk is mastering the centre of defence as we have come to expect, while Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as the defensive midfielder of Liverpool fan’s dreams, earning himself comparisons to legends such as Edgar Davids and Patrick Vieira.
It will also undoubtedly do no harm that they both are consistently getting game time together for the Dutch national team. And, much like Liverpool fans this year, followers of the Oranje think the sky is the limit.
Read more: Why Xabi Alonso could give Liverpool a LIFELINE in Trent Alexander-Arnold saga
This was voiced most prominently recently by Dutch midfielder legend-turned-pundit Rafael van der Vaart and Theo Janssen on the Studio Voetbal show.
“I think the hype around him is justified,” Janssen said, “I think he is a really good player. He actually has everything you expect from a midfielder. He is reasonably big, strong and technically skilled. He likes to play forward and also has the ability to play through the lines.”
“He is my type of player, the type I like to watch.” Van der Vaart followed, “I see a lot of potential in him. If he gets confidence… He now has the perfect trainer in Slot.”
Whilst Van der Vaart didn’t explain exactly what he meant by that, we would be hard pressed to disagree. After Jurgen Klopp, who turned this club back into a powerhouse, couldn’t get much out of Gravenberch last season, what new head coach Arne Slot has done with the 22-year old is nothing but impressive.
Gravenberch suits Slot’s system perfectly, pressing aggressively high up the pitch and already making a press-resistant turn his trademark that launches Liverpool’s attacks into space.
A week to forget for Van Dijk and Gravenberch
This week has been one to forget for the Dutch, however, with Van Dijk getting sent off for two yellow cards in three minutes against Hungary and then lumbering to a 1-0 loss to Germany last night.
And the Dutch press weren’t most impressed with Gravenberch either.
“Germany consistently passed through him at ease and on the ball, Gravenberch could barely string a pass together. Sloppy performance by a player in great form at club level.” FootballOranje.com wrote, giving him a 5/10 rating.”
Algemeen Dagblad, meanwhile, wrote that Gravenberch “tried to make the best of it” but didn’t manage to do so.
Here’s hoping the two can return in better form when Liverpool take on Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot is ‘PERFECT’ for midfielder who has ‘EVERYTHING’5 mins ago
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate just achieved HUGE career landmark5 mins ago
Liverpool SHOCKED by ‘unbelievable’ defender’s injury on international duty1 hour ago
