Arne Slot recognizes Liverpool star who will be a key cog in his Liverpool machine

There was plenty to discuss in the aftermath of Liverpool’s convincing victory over their long-time rivals Manchester United. The Reds dominated Erik ten Hag’s side, scoring three goals and controlling the midfield throughout the match on Matchday 3. The performance was so impressive that it not only garnered praise for manager Arne Slot but also for his star performers, particularly Ryan Gravenberch, who stood out in the midfield battle.

Slot was quick to share the spotlight with his players, ensuring that Gravenberch and others received the recognition they deserved for their roles in the team’s success. The Dutch midfielder was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominance, showcasing his ability to dictate play and break up United’s attempts to gain a foothold in the game.

In the post-match interview (h/t Liverpool FC), Arne Slot was asked about his tactical approach to the game. He took the opportunity to discuss the hard work put in by his players and specifically highlighted how impressed he was with midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. Slot praised Gravenberch for his outstanding performance, noting how crucial the young Dutchman was in controlling the midfield and executing the game plan to perfection.

(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Gravenberch put on a masterclass at Old Trafford last Sunday. Not only did he intercept the ball that led to the opening goal, but he also effectively neutralized the influence of players like Mainoo and Casemiro throughout the game. His relentless work rate and ability to retrieve the ball in advanced positions were key to Liverpool’s dominance.

Arne Slot, in his post-match reflections, couldn’t help but emphasize Gravenberch’s contribution, saying, “Ryan was exceptional today. His energy, vision, and commitment to winning the ball back were instrumental in keeping our midfield solid and allowing us to control the game.”

“His quality on the ball could be my first answer but I think coming from the Netherlands we all know how good he is with the ball. He can be a really important player for our build-up game. But what impressed me most when I started working with him [was] how much he can run and then still how good he is when he arrives in the duel.”

Liverpool plays the kind of football Arne Slot likes already

Arne Slot also said Liverpool already plays the type of football he likes i.e. defending from the front. Praising his midfield performance he said

“Today, you saw with him, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, how much they were able to keep on running. Sometimes you’re late, but then they just keep on running and arriving in the duel.”

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Gravenberch’s performance against United was nothing short of impressive. He completed 84% of his passes and won six out of the nine ground duels he contested, earning the respect and praise of his manager. It’s safe to say that his presence in midfield kept constant pressure on United’s defence throughout the 90 minutes.

The Dutchman, who joined Liverpool from Bayern in September 2023, appears to be just getting started. After making 26 appearances for Liverpool last season, fans are eagerly anticipating even more from him as he continues to establish himself as a key player in the squad.