In a recent twist of fate, Liverpool's near-signing of Martin Zubimendi is now being hailed as a major blessing, thanks to the outstanding performances of Ryan Gravenberch. The 24-year-old Dutch midfielder was set to join the Reds in August but opted to remain with Real Sociedad, a decision that initially shocked fans and pundits alike.

Fast forward three months, and Liverpool finds itself soaring at the top of the Premier League table, largely due to Gravenberch's impressive development in the midfield anchor role. After a rocky start to his Anfield career following his transfer from Bayern Munich, the former Ajax player has emerged as one of the standout midfielders of the season, proving his critics wrong.

The impact of Gravenberch's form was a hot topic on The Overlap’s ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, where pundits discussed how he’s become a game-changer for Liverpool. Ian Wright, a football icon, noted, "They were preparing to acquire Zubimendi, but Gravenberch has stepped up and filled that role superbly. How much has he saved Liverpool?"

Gary Neville echoed Wright's sentiments, calling Gravenberch's performances "unbelievable." He speculated that while Liverpool may still look to strengthen their midfield, the necessity for Zubimendi has diminished significantly with Gravenberch's emergence.

Cody Gakpo, Gravenberch's teammate, provided insight into his form, stating, "We knew how talented Ryan was from his time at Ajax. Even when he was at Bayern, we recognized his potential. It's clear the manager has confidence in him, and that has made a huge difference."

Former Liverpool star Steve Nicol believes that Gravenberch's contributions have been pivotal to the team’s current standing. He stated on ESPN, "If not for Gravenberch's excellence, it’s reasonable to argue that Liverpool would not be leading the league right now."

The situation presents a fascinating narrative about how fortunes can change swiftly in football. With Zubimendi's decision to remain in Spain seemingly a blessing in disguise, Liverpool fans are now eagerly watching Gravenberch's continued growth. Will he maintain this form throughout the season, or could new challenges lie ahead? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Liverpool has found a gem in Ryan Gravenberch.