Although the result wasn’t what we expected but to be honest I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player in my career as a player before,” Kieran Trippier revealed in shock after Newcastle’s narrow 2-3 defeat to Liverpool.

Although the result wasn’t what we expected but to be honest I have never played against such a dangerously aggressive player in my career as a player before,” Kieran Trippier revealed in shock after Newcastle’s narrow 2-3 defeat to Liverpool. The Newcastle captain, who has faced some of the very best attackers in world football during his career, admitted that what he saw today left him completely stunned and caught off guard. While many might have expected him to point fingers at Mohamed Salah, who has been Liverpool’s talisman for years, or Virgil van Dijk, who continues to command respect at the back, Trippier’s admiration was surprisingly directed elsewhere.

After the heated contest that ended in a dramatic fashion with 16-year-old wonderkid Trey Nyoni Ngumoha scoring a stunning 100th-minute winner to seal all three points for Liverpool, Trippier stood firm in his praise, highlighting the one Liverpool player who impressed him most. And to the shock of fans and pundits alike, it wasn’t Salah, it wasn’t Van Dijk, and it wasn’t even the match-winning teenager. Instead, Trippier singled out Ryan Gravenberch, a player who has often been overlooked or underrated in discussions about Liverpool’s star performers.

The England international, who has played across top leagues in Europe and in the biggest tournaments of the game, confessed that he had never faced someone who combined such physicality, pace, and aggression in midfield the way Gravenberch did on the night. The Dutchman was relentless, snapping into tackles, covering ground with incredible energy, and driving Liverpool forward whenever they seemed to lose momentum. Every time Newcastle looked like breaking through, Gravenberch found a way to intercept or disrupt play, making himself a thorn in their side throughout the ninety-plus minutes.

For many watching, the game will be remembered for Ngumoha’s last-gasp heroics that snatched victory from the jaws of a draw and announced the teenager to the footballing world in the most dramatic fashion possible. But for those on the pitch like Trippier, it was Gravenberch’s all-round dominance and fearless display that truly made the difference. His ability to transition from defense to attack, his sharp positioning, and the way he bullied opponents off the ball earned him Trippier’s respect and admiration.

Even die-hard Liverpool fans could not have predicted such praise being directed toward Gravenberch, especially on a night when so many other names stole the headlines. Yet Trippier’s words serve as a reminder of the unseen battles that take place in football matches—battles often won in midfield by players who might not always score the goals but dictate the tempo, apply the pressure, and keep their team alive in the toughest moments.

Liverpool’s 3-2 victory at St James’ Park will go down as a thriller, with Ngumoha’s winner destined to be replayed countless times. But amid the noise, it was Ryan Gravenberch’s performance that left a seasoned professional like Trippier openly admitting he had never faced such a dangerously aggressive player in his career before. That level of respect from a rival speaks volumes about just how much the Dutchman has grown into his role and how important he might become for Liverpool in the battles ye

t to come.