Ryan Gravenberch’s outstanding form for Liverpool this season has not surprised head coach Arne Slot.
Gravenberch has started all five games for the Reds this season, contributing to four victories, including a notable 3-1 comeback win against AC Milan in the Champions League.
Slot has utilized his fellow Dutchman in a modified role deeper in midfield, and Gravenberch’s success in this position reflects both his talent and dedication, according to Slot.
“I wouldn’t say I was surprised,” the Dutchman told reporters.
“I saw him playing at Ajax when he came up into the first team and everybody saw back then what a special talent he was.
“And probably for that reason he went to two amazing clubs, Bayern Munich and Liverpool – and you can only go to these clubs if they see you have a lot of quality.
“Then it is up to us to make sure we get the best out of him and that is not only down to what as a training staff we do – also he is the most important for that.
“But again his teammates make him better as well. Notice how Virgil [van Dijk] played balls through the lines to him [against Milan], so it is always a team thing behind good individual performances.
“I think it helps if it is not the first time you have to do this. So every day on the training pitch trying to receive balls through the lines, in games he receives balls through the lines.
“That helps your confidence if things go well and it’s what you see at the moment – you see a Ryan who is full of confidence and that comes normally with good performances and trusting your teammates and knowing that you can do what you have to at that level.”
Things could have unfolded differently had Liverpool managed to lure Martin Zubimendi away from Real Sociedad and the hills of San Sebastián this summer.
However, Slot doesn’t believe that Gravenberch’s impact this season would have been significantly diminished, even with increased competition for spots in the squad.
“It is not that much of one holding midfielder, it is a bit more two – and one of those two can be a bit more attacking,” said the Liverpool boss.
“I think the player you mentioned could have fitted in in one of those two roles and Ryan can fit in both roles like Curtis (Jones) can, Alexis (Mac Allister) can and Wataru (Endo) can.
“If I could have bought him (Zubimendi) then maybe I could have rotated a bit more and you guys (the media) would be a lot more happy about it!
“But there is no point talking about Zubimendi any more because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we’ve moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.
“But a club like ours should always try to bring in good players who can help the team to win because it is going to be a long season and therefore you need a lot of good players.
“That has been proven in the Premier League if you look at the ones who have won the league in recent years. They have had a very big squad.
“So I don’t think it would have affected Ryan’s playing time.”
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