(DDM) – Liverpool stretched their perfect start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton at Anfield.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Ryan Gravenberch stole the spotlight with a commanding midfield performance.
The Dutch star scored Liverpool’s opener with a sublime half-volley before setting up Hugo Ekitike for the Reds’ second goal.
The 23-year-old made history as the youngest player to score and assist in a Premier League Merseyside derby.
Gravenberch also topped his teammates in recoveries and passing accuracy, underlining his growing importance under manager Arne Slot.
Despite dominating early, Liverpool failed to kill off the game and allowed Everton back into contention.
Idrissa Gueye fired past Alisson Becker shortly after halftime, sparking tension in the Anfield stands.
Slot’s side, however, managed to weather the storm and protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The victory marked Liverpool’s fifth straight win, cementing them as early-season pace setters in the Premier League.
Gravenberch, once overlooked after joining from Bayern Munich in 2022, has now become indispensable to Liverpool’s midfield.
Slot’s decision to repurpose him as a deep-lying playmaker has transformed both the player and the team.
“He likes the spotlight on the pitch,” Slot told reporters after the derby clash.
The coach admitted he had planned to substitute Gravenberch after 60 minutes but kept him on following Everton’s goal.
Gravenberch’s tireless defensive work and attacking creativity ensured Liverpool maintained control despite Everton’s late pressure.
The midfielder now has two league goals this season, a significant leap after failing to score last term.
Fans and analysts alike view his consistency as crucial to Liverpool’s title defense against rivals like Arsenal.
Arsenal, in contrast, have conceded just one goal across all competitions so far, raising the stakes in the title race.
Liverpool’s defensive lapses remain a concern, with the side failing to keep a clean sheet in four straight league matches.
Yet, the energy of Gravenberch and the clinical finishing of Salah and Ekitike continue to cover those cracks.
The win also highlighted Liverpool’s squad depth, with new arrivals like Ekitike proving influential in key moments.
Gravenberch’s father, Ryan Sr., told ESPN that Slot’s faith and Dutch connection have unlocked his son’s true potential.
For Liverpool supporters, the derby victory reinforced one message: Ryan Gravenberch is no longer an afterthought.
Instead, he has emerged as the heartbeat of a team aiming for back-to-back league triumphs.
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