What Italian media said about Ryan Gravenberch sums up Liverpool transformation
Liverpool’s 3-1 Champions League victory over AC Milan at the San Siro garnered praise from English media, but the Italian press offered a more reserved perspective. Italian outlet Corriere della Sera provided some insightful yet critical player ratings that reflect their generally stricter evaluation standards, much like the notoriously tough L’Équipe in France.
Cody Gakpo, who was widely regarded as Liverpool’s standout player, received glowing reviews from both English and Italian outlets. Liverpool manager Arne Slot made the bold decision to start Gakpo over the in-form Luis Diaz, and it paid off, as the Dutchman delivered a dynamic performance. Corriere della Sera rated Gakpo a 7.5, lower than the English media’s 9, but still emphasized his “high quality” and “high speed,” praising his contributions during the match.
Another Dutchman, Ryan Gravenberch, also stood out in the game. Liverpool fans and English media lauded Gravenberch’s commanding performance in midfield, with Liverpool Echo awarding him an 8. However, the Italian publication was a bit more restrained, giving him a 6. Despite this, their description was rather poetic: “Running and stage presence: he raises a wall, complete with moat and barbed wire.” This assessment highlighted Gravenberch’s growing authority in Liverpool’s midfield, as he has made the No. 6 position his own. His presence and influence on the field are becoming integral to Liverpool’s play, contributing to the club’s ongoing transformation.
Alisson Becker, Liverpool’s goalkeeper, also received a 6 from Corriere della Sera. Despite conceding a goal, the rating was accompanied by a lighthearted remark: “A goal without fault, then he just gets bored,” reflecting the relative ease with which Alisson managed the game after Milan’s initial threat.
The Italian media’s slightly harsher ratings reflect the high expectations they have for top-tier football performances. Nevertheless, their descriptions of players like Gakpo and Gravenberch still acknowledged the quality Liverpool brought to the pitch. Gravenberch’s particularly vivid portrayal as a defensive stalwart underscores his importance in the current Liverpool setup, signifying a club that is continuing to rebuild and transform under Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool’s impressive win over AC Milan showcased the team’s tactical evolution and the increasingly pivotal roles of their younger talents.
