Despite a 5-2 victory over West Ham United on Saturday — their fourth straight league win in the hunt for a top-five finish — Liverpool F.C. supporters still voiced frustration at one player they see as a weak link at Anfield.
The Reds were rampant in attack, racing into a three-goal lead before the break thanks to strikes from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister. But while goals flowed freely going forward, defensive frailties were also exposed. Even with Cody Gakpo adding a fourth, Jarrod Bowen and Valentín Castellanos capitalised on space in Arne Slot’s midfield, before an own goal from Axel Disasi sealed the result.
The win lifted Liverpool into fourth, ahead of Chelsea F.C.’s Sunday fixture. However, despite the club’s focus on strengthening the back line this summer — having already secured Jeremy Jacquet — many now feel the bigger issue lies in midfield. There is a growing sense that the side lacks a dominant presence in the mould of Declan Rice or Rodri, a role that Ryan Gravenberch has struggled to command.
Liverpool fans call for Gravenberch exit
Criticism of the Dutchman was swift on social media. One fan labelled him “the biggest false image ever,” arguing he focuses too much on attacking contributions when his primary responsibility should be shielding the defence and managing transitions. Others insisted he should be benched or sold if Liverpool want to compete seriously.
Another supporter pointed to his role in one of the conceded goals, accusing him of losing his marker and failing to track runners, branding him a “liability” in midfield. Comparisons were also drawn with Mac Allister, with some claiming the Argentine has firmly overtaken Gravenberch in the hierarchy and should not be the one sacrificed.
Several fans went as far as describing his performance as “shameful,” suggesting he has avoided scrutiny for much of the season and admitting they would not object to his departure.
Mac Allister climbs the midfield ladder
Gravenberch’s tendency to roam forward, often leaving gaps behind, combined with Mac Allister’s resurgence in form and eye for goal, has reshaped Liverpool’s midfield pecking order. The Argentine delivered another assured display and appears set to reclaim a regular starting role.
Meanwhile, doubts persist over whether Gravenberch is the right man to anchor the midfield. His forward bursts frequently leave space in dangerous areas, prompting talk of a potential summer signing similar to Martin Zubimendi — someone capable of sitting deep and allowing others greater freedom, much like Rice’s role adjustment at Arsenal F.C..
Under Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool have shown greater ambition in the transfer market over the past year, breaking the Premier League record twice with deals for Ekitike and the injured Alexander Isak. Their next move, though, may require sharper precision — addressing squad depth, an ageing defence, and the persistent lack of a specialist defensive midfielder
