Cody Gakpo names one Liverpool player who’s been ‘outstanding’ this season, not Salah | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo has heaped praise on his Liverpool and Netherlands international teammate Ryan Gravenberch, highlighting his exceptional form this season.

The big debate for the Reds over the summer transfer window was which number six they would sign to replace Wataru Endo. They tried and failed with a move for Real Sociedad man Martin Zubimendi, and fans feared they were light in the centre.

Manager Arne Slot did not throw his toys out of the pram. He switched Gravenberch to a deeper role in midfield, where he has been excellent, delivering consistently stellar performances.

“We knew Ryan already from the Eredivisie when he played at Ajax, and I think everybody knew already that he is this good,” Gakpo recently told Men in Blazers (via the official Liverpool website).

“After, he made a move to Bayern Munich, and maybe he didn’t play that much over there, but still, everybody in Holland knew how good he could be when he was playing.

“And I think maybe the manager (Slot) also knew this. At the beginning of the season, he put him in a slightly different position but he gave him the confidence to play there.

“Ryan showed his quality at that position, grabbed his chance as well and turned out to be a good match. He is playing outstandingly for us this season.”

Gravenberch has been instrumental in Liverpool’s strong start to the season, with the club currently topping both the Premier League and the Champions League. His ability to dictate play from midfield has earned him widespread acclaim from fans and pundits alike.

Gakpo expressed his pride in seeing his compatriot shine on the global stage: “I’m very happy that we can see the Ryan we as Dutchmen already knew, but now he can show it to the whole world. I’m very proud of him.”

It remains to be seen whether he will continue playing in this number six role if the club signs a new midfielder in January or next summer. While he has excelled in this role, he might want to return to playing as an eight, where he is closer to the opposition’s goal.

The Reds have been linked with a move for Real Madrid man Aurelien Tchouameni, who has struggled in the Spanish capital and might be available this summer.