Ian Wright spoke highly of Hrafenbech's performance in the double-red-red-red-red match, describing his defensive work as particularly good, even surprising both Liverpool and new manager Sloter. Wright noted that Hrafenbech is not a defensive midfielder in the traditional sense (No. 6), but more of a No. 8 who wants to get deep into the box and participate in the attack. However, his impressive defensive performance in the game showed that he is also capable of playing on the defensive side of the ball, which is certainly a surprise for Liverpool.
Wright also mentioned that Liverpool have clear objectives in the transfer market and they will not easily compromise on second best options. After failing to bring in a preferred player such as Soubimendi, Liverpool opted for Hrafenbehere as a stop-gap solution and saw him perform consistently in three games. That decision seems to be paying off now, and Hrafenbehere's performances on the pitch have certainly added to the team's confidence.
However, former Manchester United midfielder Hargreaves takes a different view. He believes that despite Hrafenbech's excellent performances, he is ultimately only a temporary solution. Hargreaves emphasized that Liverpool need a true defensive midfielder to solidify the team's backline when competing for titles at such high levels as the Champions League and Premier League. He mentioned a player like Rodney, or any other top defensive midfielder, as an indispensable presence for Liverpool in the game.
Hargreaves pointed out that defensive midfielders play a vital role in the game. Not only can they effectively disrupt the opponent's attacking rhythm in defense, but they can also stop the opponent's attack through fouls when needed. In addition, defensive midfielders can also provide a stable transition from defense to offense, ensuring that the team can smoothly advance to the front. Therefore, Hargreaves believes that if Liverpool want to achieve better results in all tournaments, it is necessary to make reinforcement in the position of defensive midfielder.
