Liverpool have been enjoying the international break from the safety of the Premier League summit.

The Reds’ win over Aston Villa in the last game before the pause meant that they sit five points clear at the top of the table.

With many of the players who got them there heading off to feature for their countries, it has felt like a good time to take stock of the season at Anfield so far.

In many ways it has been a surprise just how good Liverpool have been.

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Although he was clearly already a highly-rated coach, few had expected Arne Slot to hit the ground running in the manner in which he has.

What has been less surprising is that the usual suspects in the Liverpool squad have come to the party for him.

But while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have been excellent, former Reds full-back Steve Nicol has picked another name for his player of the season so far.

Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images

Salah would probably be many Liverpool supporters’ pick for player of the season up to this point.

As ever, the Egyptian has been wonderful in 2024/25.

The captain has been absolutely key to Liverpool conceding just six Premier League goals in 11 matches.

However, speaking on ESPN UK, Liverpool legend Nicol says it’s Ryan Gravenberch who gets his pick.

“I would argue that without Gravenberch Liverpool wouldn’t be top of the league, that’s how important he has been,” claimed the pundit.

“The fact that he’s being talked about in the same breath as Mo Salah tells you how good Gravenberch has been.

READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey explains why Liverpool’s midfield has been so effective under Arne Slot

Despite bizarre protests from presenter Dan Thomas, Nicol sticks to his guns to claim that had it not been for Gravenberch, neither Van Dijk nor Salah would have been able to shine at all.

The fact that Mo Salah has been able to get his goals is down to Gravenberch as well and the fact that Liverpool and Van Dijk have defended so well is down to Gravenberch, so let’s go for Gravenberch!”

Gravenberch is unquestionably in the conversation for Liverpool’s best player of the campaign so far.

The 22-year-old has only missed one minute of Premier League and Champions League football.

Gravenberch is the only member of the Liverpool midfield whom Slot has trusted to start every single game in both of those competitions.

That just about says it all.

Pass Accuracy %Dribble Success %Tackles Won %Duels Won %InterceptionsRecoveries Dribbled PastPremier League 2024/2588.673.37064.61.915.730.73Ryan Gravenberch stats per 90 minutes

Although his performances have become a little less eye-catching over recent weeks, the Dutchman has settled into his new role as a deep-lying midfielder exceptionally well.

If he can continue this form for the rest of the campaign, there’s an argument that Gravenberch should be in the running for the Premier League player of the year, let alone just at Liverpool.