Even after a 5–2 victory over West Ham on Saturday — their fourth straight win in the Premier League as they chase a top-five finish — Liverpool supporters have surprisingly turned on one player labelled a “liability” at Anfield. The Reds were free-scoring this weekend, racing into a three-goal halftime lead thanks to strikes from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Yet with goals flowing on Merseyside, Liverpool also struggled defensively. Despite Cody Gakpo adding a fourth, there were concerns as Jarrod Bowen and Valentín Castellanos exposed major gaps in Arne Slot’s midfield before an Axel Disasi own goal ultimately sealed the result.
The win lifted Liverpool into fourth place ahead of Chelsea’s Sunday fixture. However, looking forward, and despite the club prioritising defensive reinforcements this summer following the signing of Jeremy Jacquet, there is a growing sense that the Declan Rice–Rodri-sized hole in midfield must also be addressed — a role Ryan Gravenberch is still struggling to make his own.
Liverpool Fans Call for Ryan Gravenberch Exit After 5–2 West Ham Win
“Gravenberch is the biggest false image ever,” one X user wrote about the Dutchman’s display. While he shows willingness going forward, many feel his role is better suited to protecting transitions and shielding the defence. “He should be sold or benched next season if we want to be a serious team,” the fan added.
Another supporter echoed similar frustration, while a third said: “Mac Allister is our second-best midfielder after Wirtz. People saying he should be sold don’t know ball. I’d sell Gravenberch before I touch Macca.” A fourth simply posted: “Sell Gravenberch.”
Others labelled his performance “shameful,” with one fan claiming he “has gotten away with a lot this season,” and another admitting the midfielder “irritates me to the point where I wouldn’t mind him leaving the club.”
Alexis Mac Allister Moves Ahead in Midfield Pecking Order
Gravenberch’s tendency to roam forward, combined with Alexis Mac Allister rediscovering form and contributing goals, has prompted a clear reshuffle in Liverpool’s midfield hierarchy. The Argentine delivered another strong display this weekend and now appears firmly set to reclaim regular starts.
For Gravenberch, though, doubts persist about whether he is the right man to keep Liverpool’s midfield balanced. His forward surges continue to leave space behind, and a Martin Zubimendi-type signing — similar to the role he played in allowing Declan Rice more attacking freedom at Arsenal — could be on the club’s radar ahead of the summer window.
Fenway Sports Group have shown increased willingness to invest over the past year, twice breaking the Premier League transfer record with the arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and the injured Alexander Isak. Their next move, however, may need to be more strategic, with squad depth, an ageing defence, and the ongoing lack of a natural defensive midfielder all requiring attention.
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