Slot praises Gravenberch’s influence within the Liverpool structure

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the impressive form of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is down to ‘the structure of the team.’

Gravenberch, 22, made 38 appearances in his first season for Liverpool last year without relinquishing his starting role.

But since arriving this summer, Slot has excelled in a slightly deeper role – with former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart saying he has the potential to be better than Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.

Slot said: “He’s been a midfielder all his life and maybe he plays deeper than he used to, but it’s not a big difference. He benefits from the way the team plays.

“He came back healthy and used his opportunity. We talk about the benefits of team building.

“I trust him, but I also trust those I don’t play. If he trusts his teammates and the structure, that will help, yes.”

I like it, @RGravenberch 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/XS6lBnH2r4

– Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 12, 2024

Duo impresses with its countries

Gravenberch impressed with international duty with the Netherlands last week, as did Trent Alexander-Arnold with England.

The defender has been dropped by the Liverpool manager for every Premier League game so far, but has been excellent against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, with Slot saying he is now ready to play 90 minutes every week.

“He showed he can do it for 90 minutes,” said Slot.

“He got tired in the Ipswich game but he is fully fit to play 90 now. We have another player like Conor Bradley, who can do the job well.

“We have a whole squad to manage and it’s good that Conor is getting his minutes. It’s not everyone, I look at the team and the whole squad for the games.”