Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has found himself an unlikely admirer of Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, praising the Dutchman for his commanding performance in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over City at Anfield.
Pep Guardiola Hails Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, Suggests He’s Thriving in a New Role
The result saw Liverpool extend their lead over the defending champions to 11 points, compounding a challenging season for Guardiola’s side.
Gravenberch, primarily known as a No. 10, played a deeper role in midfield against City, showcasing a blend of composure and creativity that left Guardiola impressed.
Despite the tactical reshuffle, the 21-year-old was pivotal in helping Liverpool dominate the midfield battle, a key factor in their convincing win.
“I have to say, Gravenberch is incredible,” Guardiola said post-match.
“He’s a No. 10, but the way he controlled the ball, his first touch—it’s amazing.
It allows him to break lines and keep the team moving forward. It’s not easy to play in a deeper role, but he made it look natural.”
Liverpool’s midfield overhaul under manager Arne Slot has been a revelation this season, with Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones providing energy and versatility.
Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of facing such a dynamic group, particularly with City struggling to field a full-strength side due to injuries to key players like Rodri and Mateo Kovacic.
City deployed Bernardo Silva as a makeshift deep-lying midfielder and Manuel Akanji in an unorthodox role stepping out from defense. While Guardiola commended their effort, he admitted the absence of specialized players was telling.
“Bernardo, Manu, Rico [Lewis]—they fought, but it’s a different game when you’re up against players like Gravenberch,” Guardiola remarked.
“He’s playing out of position, but maybe he’s found a new one. Players like him make a team so dangerous.”
For City, it was a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat, an unprecedented slump for Guardiola’s team.
Yet, the Spaniard remained optimistic, praising his players’ spirit and emphasizing the need to rebuild confidence as the season progresses.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continue their strong push for the title, with Gravenberch’s adaptability a testament to Slot’s transformative impact at the club.
