Arne Slot. Credit: Imago Images
Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has hailed Arne Slot’s handling of midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, crediting the Dutch manager for helping the young player flourish at Anfield this season.
After struggling for consistent game time under Jurgen Klopp last term, Gravenberch has emerged as a standout performer in Slot’s revamped Liverpool side.
Gravenberch, who arrived from Bayern Munich with high expectations, found it difficult to break into Klopp’s starting XI last season, making just 12 Premier League starts. However, under Slot’s guidance, the 22-year-old has found his feet, thriving in a deeper midfield role. T
he Dutchman has been pivotal in Liverpool’s impressive start to the Premier League campaign, slotting into the No. 6 position in Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Lawrenson, speaking to Paddy Power, believes that Slot’s man-management skills have been key to unlocking Gravenberch’s potential.
“One of the first things Arne Slot would’ve done would be to tell Gravenberch he’s part of the team—perhaps that’s all he wanted,” Lawrenson explained. The legendary Liverpool defender emphasised that Gravenberch’s confidence seems to have been restored under Slot’s leadership.
Gravenberch’s best performance so far came in Liverpool’s emphatic win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Playing alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Gravenberch dominated the midfield, showcasing his passing range, defensive awareness, and tactical discipline.
Lawrenson noted the fluidity and cohesion of Liverpool’s midfield, highlighting how the trio—Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones—worked in unison, taking turns to push forward and win back possession.
The tactical shift under Slot has seen Gravenberch adopt a more defensive role compared to the advanced position he played under Klopp.
Lawrenson praised the balance and structure of Liverpool’s midfield, stating, “Liverpool’s midfield was there, like a little triangle, taking it in turns to go forward, put a foot in and get the ball back. They’re all good passers of the ball, and now Liverpool look strong in midfield.”
In addition to Gravenberch, Lawrenson also credited Slot with revitalizing Luis Diaz, who has made an electric start to the season with three goals in three games. “Luis Diaz has always been a really good player, he just had a dip in form. He needs a bit of love,” Lawrenson remarked, suggesting that Slot’s empathetic approach has restored Diaz’s confidence.
Slot’s arrival at Anfield has breathed new life into Liverpool’s squad, with Gravenberch and Diaz being prime examples of players benefitting from the Dutchman’s style. As Liverpool continue to push for Premier League glory, Slot’s transformative impact on key players like Gravenberch could be crucial in their title charge.
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