Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has expressed confidence in Ryan Gravenberch’s ability to thrive in his new role as a number six under the guidance of Arne Slot.
Thiago, who made his first return to Anfield since leaving the club last season, was in attendance for Liverpool’s surprising 1-0 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Gravenberch, who has transitioned into a defensive midfielder this season, stood out as one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing performance that ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the season.
Despite the setback, Thiago believes the 22-year-old has the intelligence and attributes necessary to continue adapting and improving in his new role at Liverpool.
“All great players, they have to get experience, they have to adapt to different circumstances that they have in a game,” said the Spaniard.
“He is doing that and getting better in that position.
“Sometimes as a number six, you can see he is very flowing through midfield and it’s pretty good to see how he is involving himself and adapting to that position.
“He is an intelligent kid so he will adapt fast to the moments in the game and anything the coach says.
“He has done that.
“They are incredibly good the three in midfield, not just him but Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) and Dom (Szoboszlai).
“Being surrounded by good players makes you a better player as well.”
Asked about his future plans, Thiago Alcantara added: “I had the chance to get into football again, helping the coaching staff of Barcelona.
“I decided for the practical part, not for the theory – just because of the experience I had doing all these years in football and the kind of role I had in the team.
“I just want to pass it through to other players.
“I love to help new players as well, young players to develop under the coach.
“It was pretty good spirits.”
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