Owen Hargreaves Details Why Liverpool Will Struggle to Win Major Trophies
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has weighed in on Liverpool’s strong start to the Premier League season, singling out the impressive performances of Ryan Gravenberch. However, despite the Reds’ early success, Hargreaves remains unconvinced that Liverpool can challenge for major trophies like the Premier League or Champions League without a true defensive midfielder anchoring the side.
Liverpool currently sit at the top of the Premier League table with 15 points from their first six matches, edging out rivals Manchester City and Arsenal by a single point. The Reds’ failure to sign a specialist defensive midfielder in the summer raised questions, but their start to the season suggests it may not be as big an issue as initially feared. However, Hargreaves believes that while the team has been good, their midfield still lacks the defensive stability required to win the biggest trophies.
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Hargreaves praised Gravenberch, saying, “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.” He emphasized the need for Liverpool to sign a more specialized player for the role, adding, “I think he is a brilliant midfield player, he is a box-to-box [player], depending on who you play. 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.”
Despite his concerns, Hargreaves acknowledged Gravenberch’s positive impact so far, noting, “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.”
With Liverpool having missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi in the summer, Hargreaves believes the club will eventually address the issue. “I still think they will go and get somebody,” he said. For now, the position seems to be Gravenberch’s to lose, but tougher challenges are expected, and Hargreaves believes a true defensive midfielder could still be the key to Liverpool’s success this season.
Owen Hargreaves Details Why Liverpool Will Struggle to Win Major Trophies
