Man United legend Gary Neville names Liverpool star among three Premier League players to have surprised him the most this season

Gary Neville has named Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch as one of his biggest surprise performers in the Premier League so far this season.

The highly-rated midfielder has impressed despite coming into the season off the back of two underwhelming campaigns.

Gravenberch had a disappointing season at Bayern Munich in 2022-23 after leaving Ajax and only managed 12 Premier League starts for Liverpool after his £35million move last year.

The 22-year-old has thrived this season under Arne Slot, a fellow Dutchman, having been deployed in a deeper role in Liverpool’s midfield. 

Gravenberch’s change of role had followed Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.

Man United legend Neville cited Gravenberch’s impressive performances, coupled with his change of role, as being behind his selection.

Gary Neville said his displays in the position made Gravenberch his surprise player

‘I am going for Graveneberch in terms of how he has played and the position he has played,’ Neville said on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.

‘I feel quite strongly Gravenberch is a massive surprise in terms of how well he has played. 

‘I don’t think anyone expected him to be as good as he has been in that position [in midfield]. Curtis Jones has been very good too.’

Gravenberch would ultimately finish as the third biggest surprise after a discussion with Man United legends Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, Arsenal great Ian Wright and Lionesses hero Jill Scott. 

The goalscoring form of Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood and Ipswich forward Liam Delap saw them edge ahead of Gravenberch.

‘Chris Wood with eight goals has got to be in the top three, Liam Delap with six goals for Ipswich,’ Neville added.

‘I’m not surprised by Danny Welbeck, he’s very good – his current form is better than any current [Manchester] United front player this season. Morgan Rogers at [Aston] Villa could be top notch.

Chris Wood was picked by the pundits as the biggest surprise after eight goals in 11 matches

Liam Delap, centre, was also highlighted having struck six times for newly promoted Ipswich

‘I’d go Wood top, Delap number two and Gravenberch in three.’ 

Wright had highlighted Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as other potential options.

The former Arsenal forward also put forward Brentford forwards Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.

Wright praised the duo for their performances, which he suggested have meant the Bees have not felt a significant impact of selling Ivan Toney.

Gary Neville was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet