"Week on week you just see him growing in stature" - Alan Hutton heaps praise on 'outstanding' Liverpool star after 2-0 Aston Villa win
Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has waxed lyrical about Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch after the latter shone during the Reds' 2-0 win against Aston Villa. The two sides locked horns in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, November 9.
Liverpool's dominance under Arne Slot continued as they defeated the Villans with ease. Darwin Nunez (20') and Mohamed Salah (84') were both on target following a pair of devastating counter-attacks to help the Reds seal all three points.
Ryan Gravenberch has settled in well in his new role as the Reds' No. 6 in a double pivot alongside Alexis Mac Allister. The Dutchman has been consistent this season and repaid Slot's faith once again against Villa.
Hutton told TNT Sports (via Rousing the Kop):
"That guy is outstanding. At times, he flies under the radar, but the job that he does is quite incredible. Week on week you just see him growing in stature, his quality is obviously there. Perfect.”
During his 90 minutes on the pitch, Gravenberch completed 50 passes from an attempted 57 with an accuracy of 88 percent. He also completed all three of his dribbles, won six duels, and made four interceptions.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot provides injury update on Trent Alexander-Arnold following Aston Villa win
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted Trent Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to feature for England in the upcoming November international break after he suffered an injury against Aston Villa.
Alexander-Arnold picked up a knock and was unable to continue during the Reds' 2-0 win. He was subbed off in the 25th minute for Conor Bradley and was seen heading straight down the tunnel.
During the post-match press conference, Slot said (via Liverpool's official website):
"It's difficult to say how serious it is, but it's always serious if a player goes out in the first half. Not because I didn't like him, but because he asked for it himself. He didn't ask for it because he was tired, he asked for it because he felt something."
He added:
"That's first of all not a good sign, but it is always difficult so close after the game to tell you exactly what it is. Let's wait and see. I would be surprised if we will see him playing for the England national team this week, but hopefully he can."
The Reds will be hoping for Alexander-Arnold to return to full fitness, given their upcoming fixtures against the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid after the international break. The 26-year-old has provided two assists in 15 appearances across competitions this season.