Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch praised new head coach Arne Slot as he continued his top form at the international level. The 22-year-old represented the Netherlands during the September international break in the Nations League group stage 5-2 victory over Bosnia Herzegovina.

Liverpool targeted Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for the number six role in the midfield but the Spaniard rejected them. Another failure to sign a defensive midfielder riled a big section of the fanbase but Slot addressed the solution internally.

Gravenberch played as a defensive midfielder for Ajax, earning him the deserved recognition in Europe as Bayern Munich signed him. The 22-year-old has the physical requirement as well as the technical prowess to thrive in that position under the new boss.

Former manager Jurgen Klopp deployed a much more direct style of play in possession and through counter-attacking by making quick transitions. However, Slot uses more calmness and efficiency in possession which allows the team to stay structured and leave less space.

As Klopp’s style required a Fabinho kind of defensive midfielder to cover spaces, Slot’s style can allow Gravenberch to thrive. Gravenberch has played a pivotal role for Liverpool in the first three Premier League games this season, conceding zero goals.

Gravenberch told ESPN Netherlands that Slot gives him confidence and the regular starts have benefitted him to build his consistency. He said:

“He gives me confidence now. He just lets me start in the lineup. It’s going pretty well. As a player, you obviously want to get minutes. For me, that confidence is part of it. With that confidence, I feel more comfortable, and with the minutes, it keeps getting better. He’s a good coach. He knows what he wants. He has a clear plan. Yeah, so far, we’re executing it really well. Clarity from the start is always nice for me.”

The 22-year-old delivered a sensational performance for the Netherlands against Bosnia with 92% passing accuracy involving two key passes. He registered 100% crossing and long ball accuracy, 87 touches, and two out of three successful dribbling attempts during the game.

Furthermore, the Dutch international won four out of seven ground duels, made three interceptions and committed one tackle. Gravenberch played dominantly at the left side of the central midfield, contrary to his central defensive midfield role at Liverpool.

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With Wataru Endo as the competition for the 22-year-old at Liverpool, the depth in the position is strong and diverse. Congested fixtures fill most of the season, so Slot will rely on both players with constant rotation.