Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is determined to build on his impressive start under manager Arne Slot.
He has been a key figure for Slot this season, starting every game in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Gravenberch has thrived in a deeper role as a permanent No.6 in Slot’s tactical setup, continuing to play an important role in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Southampton on Sunday.
He provided the assist for Mohamed Salah’s equalizer, further cementing his growing influence in midfield.
With a busy week ahead, Liverpool will host Real Madrid on Wednesday night in the Champions League, before facing Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Ryan Gravenberch is focused on maintaining and improving his performances, drawing motivation from a pre-season conversation with Slot that has shaped his contributions in recent months.
“When you come to Liverpool you always want to be a first XI, starting player,” he told Men in Blazers.
“That was my aim this season. When he told me he sees me like a No.6, I’ve played there in that position before, so I knew what I had to do and what I had to improve. I’m happy I get the minutes now.
“I’ve played the position before and of course you have to adapt a little bit to the position, but I think it goes really well. I still keep improving and want to do better. I think it’s going really well, but I can also do better.”
He added: “My defensive things I can do better.
“I always think [keeping] 100 per cent concentrated and also in possession maybe I can play more balls behind the defence and can maybe score as well or give an assist. I think that’s where I can improve.
“I see myself as a No.6 because I played there and have to focus especially on this position this season. But so far, I am happy with it. It’s going well.
“Last season I played more than the season before and that was my aim, and this season it was the aim to play and become a starting XI player. I’m just happy I’m on the pitch again and [can] show my quality.”
On whether he believes the team is good enough to win trophies, Gravenberch continued: “Yes, for sure. For me, you have to dream big.
“For example, in my life I want to win the Premier League for sure one time – we just want to if we can. You have to dream big, and you want to win everything. We will see.”
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