Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen claims Ryan Gravenberch “got lucky” when Martin Zubimendi made a U-Turn on signing for the Reds last summer.

The Merseysiders were confident that they had secured the signature of the Spanish international back in August, but the player ultimately ended up staying at Real Sociedad. However, Owen says that decision inadvertently allowed Gravenberch the chance to shine as a No.6:

“From Gravenberch’s point of view, you could say he’s got lucky but he’s also grasped his chance. If Zubimendi signed, you have got no doubts they still would have won the league and it would have been a great signing, I guess.”

“I do think when you get a group, a collective of good characters and players, the ones who necessarily all get swept along.”

Gravenberch has embraced his new role

The Netherlands international has spoken out in recent days to reveal how head coach Arne Slot persuaded him into becoming a holding midfielder.

Gravenberch admitted that it wasn’t a position he was particularly familiar with but he is glad with how things have turned out:

“I didn’t play a lot there but now I know what I have to do and the manager fully trusted me there. I’m really happy with that.”

Zubimendi could end up facing Liverpool next season

While he rejected the advances of the Reds last year, it appears that the 26-year-old will now make the move to England over the coming months.

Reports in both Spain and England claim that Zubimendi has effectively agreed to join Arsenal. The Gunners are expected to trigger the €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract.

Considering how Gravenberch has performed, Liverpool will be somewhat glad that they ended up missing out on the Real Sociedad midfielder.

Click here to see Liverpool’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season