Ryan Gravenberch highlights Liverpool transfer priority as Arne Slot sent 'next Fabinho' message

Owen Hargreaves believes Liverpool still need to sign a 'specialist' holding midfielder despite Ryan Gravenberch's impressive performances. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season, establishing himself as a key player in Arne Slot's side.

Gravenberch, who joined the Reds from Bayern Munich last year in a deal worth about £34m, has started every Premier League tie so far this term, operating as a holding midfielder. The Netherlands international has helped Liverpool win all but one game to climb to the top of the table.

After the Reds failed to wrap up a deal for Martin Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been tasked with shielding the backline and marshalling the middle of the park. Under Jurgen Klopp, he was more so box-to-box, with Alexis Mac Allister preferred in the number six role.

READ MORE: Marc Guehi fires brutal message to Crystal Palace team-mates as blunt Everton verdict delivered

READ MORE: What Alexis Mac Allister did to Cody Gakpo as Liverpool midfielder targeted

But, since Slot has come in, Gravenberch has taken the reins. While he's impressed, Hargreaves believes that Liverpool still need to sign a 'specialist' holding midfielder if they truly want to challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Manchester United ace said: "He has done brilliantly well, but he is not a defensive midfield player, which is fine when you are playing teams like this which you will beat.

"He is 190cm. He is 22 years old. He has got everything. But he is not a specialist defensive midfield player. There is a difference. I think he is a brilliant midfield player, he is a box-to-box, depending on who you play.

Hargreaves added: "But I think in a big game, in a one-off game, to go and win the Premier League or the Champions League, I think you need a specialist. Liverpool showed that with Fabinho or Manchester City showed that with Rodri. I still think they will address his position.

"But credit Gravenberch, he has grabbed his chance and that’s all you need. That’s what you need as a player, you need someone to trust you and he has proven it. I still think tougher tests will come. I love what he is doing, but I still think they will go and get somebody."

Martin Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Anfield during the summer transfer window as Slot looked to bolster his midfield, but a switch failed to materialise. The Echo understands that Liverpool had been told unequivocally that the Real Sociedad maestro wanted to leave the La Liga outfit, prompting their pursuit.

But, after being put under pressure to not leave by his boyhood club, he snubbed the Reds and remained in the Basque country. The Spain international later informed Richard Hughes of his decision to stay at Real Sociedad.

With that being said, though, it's believed that Zubimendi, who sees his contract expire in June 2027, still had a release clause in his deal worth €60m (£51.7m) – a sum that Liverpool were prepared to pay.