Last summer, Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch left struggling Bayern Munich to join Liverpool. In Jurgen Klopp’s regime, he was given the inside half role but never really came into his own.
The 22-year-old midfielder has undergone perhaps the most significant change under Arne Slot. Converted to the bottom of midfield and asked to play a more defensive-orientated style of play, he quickly adapted. He has been the driving force behind the team’s strong start to the Premier League season.
Team captain and Netherlands national team captain, 33-year-old defender Virgil van Dijk, has seen the development of his fellow midfielder. However, he also said that he must continue to move forward calmly.
“Ryan Gravenberch is in the form of his life, he is playing with 100% confidence and is developing himself very good defensively. Of course I am constantly shouting to him during the games but I think he likes it. It’s going great! He needs to remain calm, stay fit, and keep going.”
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The Dutchman’s command of the club has also been praised for his good performances in the Champions League, including a victory over Real Madrid. Van Dijk also said that after the German mastermind, it was a difficult job, but he was achieving great results.
“Replacing Jurgen Klöpp is a very difficult task, but Arne Slot is doing an excellent job. The way he presents himself to the outside world, to the players, his interviews, his way of explaining tactics.”
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The veteran centre-back will be 34 next year, but remains an integral part of the final line, showing a high level of leadership from the back. Can he lead his countrymen to glory in their first Premier League challenge…?