Liverpool’s Champions League triumph over Atletico Madrid drew rave reviews, none louder than Wayne Rooney’s. The former Manchester United and England legend was left in awe of Ryan Gravenberch, singling out the Dutch midfielder as the standout of both the match and Liverpool’s season so far.
“God, I can’t lie, I couldn’t take my eyes off Gravenberch the whole game,” Rooney admitted. “He was everything you’d ever want in a player, and I found myself watching with a smile on my face. He was ridiculously good. Yesterday against Atletico Madrid, he wasn’t just the best player on the pitch—he’s been Liverpool’s best player since the start of this season. If I ever had the chance to come out of retirement just to play alongside him, I wouldn’t even think twice.”
Gravenberch’s arrival at Anfield carried high expectations, and under Arne Slot he has swiftly evolved into a midfield powerhouse. Against Diego Simeone’s typically combative side, the 22-year-old dominated the middle of the park, dictating tempo, pressing relentlessly, and driving Liverpool forward.
Fans echoed Rooney’s praise, flooding social media with tributes to what many called one of the finest Champions League performances by a Liverpool midfielder in recent memory. Supporters lauded his composure, intelligence, and tireless work rate, dubbing him the heartbeat of Slot’s system.
Rooney’s words carry particular resonance given his United background, underlining just how far Gravenberch has risen. From Old Trafford to Anfield, respect has been earned. For Liverpool, the message is clear: in Ryan Gravenberch, they may have found the key to their European charge.
