Thiago tips Liverpool midfielder’s off-season after Arne Slot’s impressive start to season

Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has backed Ryan Gravenberch to play a bigger role in the club this season.

Thiago, who called time on the summer after his contract at Anfield expired, returned to Merseyside in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest to get a glimpse of life under new manager Arne Slot.

Although the result was disappointing for Liverpool, Dutch international Gravenberch received plenty of praise for another fine individual performance, as he quietly became an integral part of Slot’s new midfield, and Thiago was eager to praise Gravenberch.

“All high-level players must gain experience and adapt to the different situations they have in the game,” explained Thiago. “[Gravenberch] do that and it gets better in that situation.

“Sometimes as a number 6, you see that you run a lot in the middle of the field and it’s great to see how you get involved and adapt to that situation.

“He’s a smart kid so he’ll adapt quickly to game times and whatever the coach says. He’s done that.

“These three in midfield are incredibly good, not only him but also Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] and Dom [Szoboszlai]. Being surrounded by good players makes you a better player.”

Thiago also admitted before the match how excited he was about his first taste of the Anfield atmosphere as a fan.

“It has always been a goal to be in this stadium not only as a player but also as a fan,” he told the club’s media. “I was lucky – life gave me a chance – to be here for four years as a footballer. I believe it was one of the best moments in my life too.

“Now I have the chance to get a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well. It’s a great time to be here.”

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