Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool – Man of the Match

Ryan Gravenberch

I was understanding of the predicament when Martín Zubimendi turned down a move to Anfield, to stay with his boyhood club, Real Sociedad. The complex analysis of players (by the recruitment team) to fit a bespoke footballing style is clearly a very precise endeavour that needs certain characteristics to be achieved.

I, like so many of the disbelieving fan base, could not fathom how the reds new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, had not unearthed a player or a deal to bring in either Alan Varela or Santiago Hezze. Surely Ryan Gravenberch could not be the guy that was chosen, not until the January transfer reopened, as that became apparent with the deadline for incomings being reached last week.

Then, a game away to Manchester United transpired.

With an undeniable skill set, physical prowess, unwavering talent, and elegance on the ball, it was never the ability of the player which was in question, but the desire to unlock that which was stagnating within. Against a beleaguered Manchester United midfield, today’s man of the match, Ryan Gravenberch, was dominant and precise in his work throughout an all action and terrific display.

You could see the confident manner in which he strode across the famous Old Trafford turf, as he and Alexis Mac Allister took hold of the match from the opening bell. As a double pivot set of operators, there is no doubting the credentials of either asset, however, though the worry surrounding elite ball winning and positional sense is still lingering, this particular game was never going to trouble the trio of midfield men in white.

With a statistical breakdown that is remarkable on the eye (see links within), the new age system of play is perhaps something that allows a pair of 6/8 hybrids to work in tandem, especially when the game state is so controlled and coordinated.

With high volume vocal instruction from the commanding captain, Virgil van Dijk, as well as the positional discipline of the surrounding cast, it makes that central area far easier to travel as a tight and intelligent engine of two. With three games in and two solid displays prior, this seems like the stand out display by the 22-year-old who shone within an overall shining team performance.

It must be noted that the performance of Mohamed Salah was again sublime, however, this is fast becoming his common feature and output. Luis Díaz was clinical and productive, whereas every single player delivered a positive impression to the jubilant support. The reds are joint top and the new Head Coach, Arne Slot, appears relaxed and determined to make this initial season a memorable one.

Today was superb and the result electric, with the man of the match plaudits heading to the monstrous Dutchman, Ryan Gravenberch, who is proving many a sports writer wrong.

This one included.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Manchester United 1-3 Liverpool