Owen Hargreaves Claims Liverpool Will Struggle to Win Premier League Without One Key Player This Season

Owen Hargreaves has expressed his admiration for Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, acknowledging the player’s strong performances under Arne Slot. However,

Hargreaves also highlighted that Liverpool might face difficulties in securing the Premier League or Champions League titles without a specialist defensive midfielder.

Liverpool have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, sitting at the top of the Premier League with 15 points from their first six matches.

This is one point more than Manchester City and Arsenal, who are currently in second and third place, respectively.

Despite concerns surrounding Liverpool’s inability to sign an outfield player during the summer transfer window, their early season form suggests that this has not been a significant issue.

One of the standout performers for Liverpool this season has been Gravenberch, who has consistently impressed in midfield.

Arne Slot’s side had aimed to recruit a defensive midfielder during the summer, but they missed out on Martin Zubimendi, who chose to remain with his current club, Real Sociedad, in Spain.

Although Gravenberch has effectively played the role of the deepest midfielder for Liverpool this season, Hargreaves claims that the team will struggle to win major trophies without acquiring a true specialist defensive midfielder.

“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,” he told Premier League Productions as quoted by The Daily Mail.

“I think he is a brilliant midfield player, he is a box-to-box [player], 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 this position. But credit Gravenberch, he has grabbed his chance and that’s all you need.

“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.”

Gravenberch currently holds the position, and if he continues to perform at this level, it could influence Liverpool’s decision to pursue reinforcements.

However, their prior interest in Zubimendi suggests they may still look to strengthen that area in January or the following summer.

In other Liverpool news, Ryan Gravenberch Sent Blunt Liverpool Advice After Picking Up Another POTM Award Against Wolves