Ryan Gravenberch has received praise from one of Liverpool’s finest midfielders, Thiago, as he impresses under the guidance of Arne Slot.
Ryan Gravenberch has quickly become a standout figure in Liverpool’s midfield under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, and one of the club’s finest-ever midfielders, Thiago Alcantara, has given him his seal of approval.
Despite Thiago’s early retirement due to recurring injuries, his insight into the game remains sharp, and he has been keenly following Gravenberch’s progress.
Thiago, who retired after four years at Anfield due to ongoing physical issues, had a brief period of time with Gravenberch at Liverpool, although injuries kept them from playing together. Still, he has been keeping a close eye on his former teammate, who is improving quite a lot under Slot’s management.
Thiago backs Ryan Gravenberch as Liverpool’s rising star shines under Slot
“He’s doing that, he’s just getting better in that position in the midfield, sometimes at No. 6.,” Thiago told LFCTV before Liverpool’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, a game in which Gravenberch was one of the key players.
“We can see it’s a very flowing three midfielders.”
“It’s really pretty good to see him, how he’s evolving, how he’s adapting to that position.”
Slot has utilized Gravenberch in a flexible midfield trio, a system that has enabled the young Dutchman’s intelligence and his playing style.
Given his comfort playing alongside other emerging players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, it is clear that Gravenberch is starting to benefit from playing with a higher calibre of players.
Thiago thinks that Gravenberch’s success is not coincidental thus, it came with playing with better players. “Being surrounded by good players makes you a better player as well.”
After an impressive performance against Forest, Gravenberch then played like a Man of the Match player in Liverpool’s win versus AC Milan, showing how important he is for the team.
His ability to play in different midfield roles, including as a deep-lying playmaker or a more advanced option, has been a key feature of his rise under Slot.
“For sure I’m impressed. We came from an era when Klopp did a great job here, one of the best times of Liverpool history. Then you’re getting back and the great players that they have, they will perform under the new coach.“
He further added, reflecting on how the new manager has brought a fresh dynamic while maintaining Liverpool’s aggressive, possession-heavy football.
“They’ve just got better and better, they’ve shown in each game with more possession, knowing how to play football and being, as they’ve always been, aggressive,”
As Liverpool continues to evolve under Slot, Gravenberch appears to be one of the key figures in the new era, with Thiago’s endorsement further underlining his potential.
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