Arne Slot likens Gravenberch to Ballon d'Or winner after Liverpool's Milan win

Liverpool’s performance in Italy last night was one which silenced the critics. 

The Reds dominated AC Milan, eventually running out 3-1 winners on the first night of the Champions League, and it could have been so much more. 

Arne Slot’s men needed to react with a result like this after succumbing to a damaging 1-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest last Saturday. 

Read more: The two signings Richard Hughes wants to make for Liverpool 

Many players stepped up their energy and intensity, showing supporters their determination to get results. 

And one player that stood out from the rest has now been likened to several legendary midfielders. 

Gravenberch shines at the San Siro

Multiple Liverpool stars made an incredible impact last night. Cody Gakpo was immense down the left-hand side, always looking to get a shot on goal and using his pace and power to breeze past defenders. 

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were as solid as ever at the back while also proving their attacking abilities, both getting on the scoresheet from set-pieces. 

However, one Reds player that took the spotlight once again was Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder was everywhere last night and the stats showed it. 

Jiro was responsible for making six interceptions last night, the most by any Liverpool player in a Champions League match since Trent Alexander-Arnold vs Manchester City in 2018. He also won possession back nine times, the most in the game. 

He looked agile, always seeking to play the ball forward and was fluid with his movement and passing. The 22-year-old has really stepped up his game this season and he looks like a completely brand new player. 

After the game, Slot praised his makeshift defensive midfielder stating, “He was incredible today. He took the podium where so many Dutch midfielders already excelled. Incredible compatriots played here, now it was Ryan's turn.” 

AC Milan have boasted world-class Dutch midfielders such as Ruud Gullit, Clarence Seedorf, Frank Rijkaard and many many more. To be compared to these legends of the game who have won multiple accolades and taken the footballing world by storm is a testament to Ryan’s mindset and grit to succeed. 

Indeed, Gullit was a two-time European Cup / Champions League winner for the Rossoneri and was also awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1987.

Overall, it was a phenomenal night for the Reds and the team will be hoping to take the positivity from this result and channel it into the weekend's game against Bournemouth.