Liverpool boss Arne Slot gets Martin Zubimendi message that says it all

Martin Zubimendi’s Liverpool transfer snub has proved to be a blessing in disguise, according to Ian Wright.

The Euro 2024 winner was on the verge of joining the Reds in August before a late U-turn saw him stay with Real Sociedad. At the time, it was regarded as a major blow, with new boss Arne Slot seemingly left with a gaping hole in his midfield.

Three months on, Liverpool are flying high at the top of the Premier League, with Ryan Gravenberch excelling in the midfield anchor role. The 22-year-old had a mixed first season at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp following his move from Bayern Munich.

However, he has emerged as one of the Premier League's standout midfielders of the season so far. The Dutchman’s impact was discussed on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by SkyBet, with the panel picking him as one of the surprise players of the season.

Wright said Gravenberch’s form has been like having a new signing. The Arsenal legend said: “They were getting ready to buy Zubimendi, but Gravenberch has come in and locked it [that position] off. How much has he saved Liverpool?”

Gary Neville agreed, adding: “He’s been unbelievable. They may still go for another holding midfield player [in the transfer window]. But going for Zubimendi and then him [Gravenberch] going in there and playing like he has, he’s been incredible.”

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Image: Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

But Gravenberch’s form is no surprise to club and country team-mate Cody Gakpo, who told Men in Blazers he had no doubts about the former Ajax man. Gakpo said: “We [Liverpool’s Dutch players] knew Ryan already from the Eredivisie when he played at Ajax, and I think everybody knew already that he is this good.

“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 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."

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Anfield legend Steve Nicol believes the Reds even owe their position at the top of the table to Gravenberch’s form. The pundit said on ESPN: “We’re basically looking at a team who looked as though they had a big hole in the middle of the park that had to be filled.

"Absolutely I would argue that, without Gravenberch, Liverpool might not be top of the league.”

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