Jamie Carragher compares Ryan Gravenberch to Premier League legend and claims 'revelation' should be in contention for player of the year award

Jamie Carragher has compared Ryan Gravenberch to a Premier League legend ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham.

The Reds are taking on Spurs in the semi-final second leg of the Carabao Cup, trailing by one going into the game yet still favourites to overturn the deficit and set up a final against Newcastle at Wembley.

Gravenberch started the match in midfield, filling in his now-regular No 6 role as he guarded the back four, who could scarcely afford to concede if they were to qualify for the final.

The 22-year-old has received widespread plaudits for his showings this season, and Carragher sang his praises on Sky Sports’ coverage of the semi-final.

In the summer, Liverpool tried to buy Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard rejected the chance to move to Anfield. They didn’t look elsewhere, with Gravenberch dropping back instead.

And his performances have been so impressive that Carragher compared him to one of the most iconic Premier League midfielders of all time when discussing the midfielder before the game. 

Gravenberch has been a revelation since moving into the No 6 role for the Reds this season

Gravenberch was compared to Patrick Vieira (pictured), who is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best-ever midfielders

‘It is really interesting as they thought a lot of him when he came in,’ Carragher began. ‘The reason Bayern Munich let him go was because they played a different system. Liverpool played 4-3-3, he was more of an attacking midfielder, he would go on runs with his long legs.

‘When Liverpool tried out players in the six, he was trialling them. They weren’t fully sure of the idea – he was he was more attacking. I was really intrigued, but I couldn’t see how it would work.

‘The highest compliment I can give him is he would be in the running for player of the year, he reminisces of Patrick Vieira, the long legs, moving through midfield. He has been a revelation.’

In total, Gravenberch has made 70 appearances for Liverpool since joining for £35million, with 31 coming this season after struggling to find a role under Jurgen Klopp.

He has been one of the first names on the team sheet, with many wondering whether or not Liverpool will now bother to go into the transfer market.

Vieira, meanwhile, won three Premier League titles with Arsenal and was the captain of their Invincibles team in the 2003-4 season. 

Jamie Redknapp was another to sing his praises on Sky’s broadcast, saying: ‘It is a masterstroke. It could have gone the other way if they got Zubimendi. He has been an absolute master in the midfield this season.

‘The turn has become his trademark, he is so powerful. He can do everything, cover ground… I would have hated to have played against him.

‘He runs past people effortlessly. The manager should take credit, he has had the faith in him and in that position Liverpool look much better.’