Arne Slot has revealed why he substituted Ryan Gravenberch early during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.
The Reds boss also emphasised that he remains unfazed by Alexis Mac Allister’s absence from Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton due to suspension.
Ryan Gravenberch has been an ever-present figure for Liverpool this season, starting all 19 of their Premier League and Champions League matches.
However, his substitution in the 67th minute at St. James’ Park marked the first time he hadn’t completed the full 90 minutes.
The Dutch midfielder has been a standout performer for Liverpool this campaign, flourishing in a reinvented role as a number six.
Despite his consistency, Gravenberch struggled to reach his usual high standards against Newcastle. After receiving a booking in the first half, he is now one yellow card away from a suspension of his own.
Slot explained his decision to take Gravenberch off, citing his cautious approach given the player’s disciplinary situation.
Nevertheless, the Liverpool manager confirmed that the 22-year-old will start in the Merseyside derby against Everton, underscoring his importance to the team.
“When it comes to Ryan, why I took him off because, in all the games he played, it was almost impossible to take him off because he played so well,” Slot said.
“If you take him out, what happens with the team then? That’s a bit exaggerated but you know what I mean.
“This game, the first half wasn’t his best like the whole team. The first 10 minutes we started to play better, him as well, but it was a game where I felt someone else can do, as a minimum, the same and we’ll rest him as well because he’s played so many games as well.
“We were 2-1 down and maybe it was a smart decision to go even more offensive with Curtis (Jones) as an attacking midfielder, with the as a number six. There were a few factors that made us take him off but he’ll start tomorrow.”
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