£150k-p/w Star’s International Highlights Show Impact Arne Slot Has Had at Liverpool
Liverpool kicked off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign in impressive fashion, securing three consecutive wins, scoring seven goals, and keeping a flawless defensive record with no goals conceded.
As they progress through the season, there’s growing optimism that the post-Jurgen Klopp era might unfold more smoothly than originally anticipated.
This comes after a turbulent summer marked by a managerial change and some frustration among fans over a perceived lack of urgency in the transfer market.
However, those concerns have yet to materialise, as newly appointed manager Arne Slot appears to be getting the best out of the current Liverpool squad.
One standout is fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch, who, after a somewhat inconsistent showing last season, has now become a vital presence in Liverpool’s midfield. His performances this season have seen significant improvement.
Currently on international duty with the Netherlands, Gravenberch delivered another strong display, leading many to believe that Slot’s influence has been key in unlocking the 22-year-old’s potential as he continues on his path to realizing his talent.
Gravenberch Shines for Netherlands
The Netherlands dominated their opening Nations League match with a 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee standing out.
Although Gravenberch didn’t directly contribute to any of the goals, he played a crucial role in midfield, controlling the game with authority.
His precise passing, whether short and incisive or longer switches, was outstanding, and his composure on the ball helped his team maintain possession even when under pressure.
Such a performance was delightful to see for Liverpool and Netherlands fans alike, with one dubbing Gravenberch as “one of the best performing midfielders in Europe,” while another hailed the influence of Slot, saying: “Arne Slot has been here 2 months and has already made Ryan Gravenberch a star for us and Netherlands.”
Praise has not been limited to just fans. Former World Cup finalist Rafael Van der Vaart also commended the Amsterdam-born midfielder, expressing his admiration for the progress he has made since last season. He stated:
“Ryan Gravenberch is playing very good! Super sharp, looking like a free man, super dynamic, always between the lines. He is playing with so much confidence, it’s finally coming out!”
| Ryan Gravenberch vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Statistics – Squad Ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Metric | Output | Squad ranking |
| Touches | 87 | 3rd |
| Key passes | 2 | =2nd |
| Dribbles completed | 2 | 1st |
| Interceptions | 3 | 1st |
| WhoScored Rating | 7.65 | 4th |
Arne Slot Has Revitalized Gravenberch’s Career
The midfielder’s recent performances for his national team demonstrate a noticeable shift, reflecting increased confidence in his playing style. In an interview with ESPN Netherlands, the £150k-per-week midfielder credited his new manager for playing a crucial role in fostering this improvement.
“He [Arne Slot] 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.
Gravenberch has started in all three of Liverpool’s opening Premier League matches this season, playing as a number six between Alexis Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai. Although it’s a position he may not have been very familiar with previously, he has adapted to it impressively well this season.
Once considered a top prospect at Ajax, Gravenberch’s reputation took a slight hit after a year at Bayern Munich, where he didn’t get the playing time his ability deserved.
Last season under Jurgen Klopp, he also struggled to secure regular starts, though he made several substitute appearances. Now, with the confidence of Arne Slot behind him, Gravenberch is on track to becoming one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Face Concern Over Alexis Mac Allister as Agent Addresses Possible Transfer
