Everything Arne Slot has touched so far for Liverpool has turned to gold as they find themselves at the top of the Premier League standings.
After their 3-3 draw against Newcastle United in a game that saw them drop two points in the title race, the Reds will be eager to return to winning ways when Fulham visit Anfield tomorrow.
Slot hasn’t changed too much since taking over the reigns from Jurgen Klopp as he refrained from splashing the cash in the transfer market.
One big change he’s made, however, has been with Ryan Gravenberch as the Dutchman continues to flourish as a number six.
And Marco Silva has hailed Liverpool for just how well they’ve used the towering midfielder this season.
Marco Silva lauds Arne Slot for Ryan Gravenberch’s Liverpool renaissance
(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on December 12, 2024 in Kirkby,...
Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
After joining the club from Bayern Munich last summer, Gravenberch blew hot and cold under Klopp as he struggled to nail down a place in the starting XI.
Slot’s arrival, however, has led to a dramatic change of fortunes for the midfielder, who is now an indispensable asset to his new manager.
After Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Anfield, the Dutchman decided against pursuing alternatives, instead opting to use Gravenberch as a number six.
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And the decision has paid dividends in some style as the former Ajax midfielder looks like he was born to play in this position.
Silva feels Gravenberch’s role is slightly different from what was the case last season as he reserved special praise for Slot for making the decision to use him as a number six.
“He’s been so so important for them,” said Silva in his press conference.
“It’s a slightly different position to when he arrived. Last season he was playing more as an eight and sometimes more between the lines.
“This season, he’s a pivot and playing more as a six. He’s doing so well. He’s quality on the ball and he’s an athlete as well – his physicality you can feel it every time on the pitch.
“Of course, the credit should be to the player and also the manager for taking that decision.”
Gravenberch’s stats this season
Rafael van der Vaart feels Gravenberch is a better player than Jude Bellingham and while a large section of the neutrals may not agree with that statement, it shows just how much the Dutchman has progressed this season.
Ryan Gravenberch stats Apps Goals Assists Yellow cards Red cards Mins played
Premier League 14 – 1 4 – 1.237′
UEFA Champions League 6 – – 1 – 540′
He has featured in every Premier League and UEFA Champions League game this season and has also earned rave reviews for his performance for the Netherlands.
Michael Owen believes Gravenberch has been the best player in the Premier League this season and the Dutchman’s form will certainly be crucial to Liverpool’s title hopes.
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