Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has praised the performance of Ryan Gravenberch in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham.
The Reds twice came from behind to secure a point against the Cottagers, despite playing most of the game with 10 men after Andy Robertson’s red card in the 17th minute.
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Even a man down, Liverpool managed 16 shots to the tune of 2.26 xG, compared to 12 and 1.08 respectively for Fulham.
This is largely down to controlling 61% of possession, with Gravenberch key to that effort.
The Netherlands international put in another impressive performance at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, completing 96% of his passes and touching the ball 80 times.
Gravenberch also won all three aerial duels contested and seven of 12 overall duels, while making nine final third passes, eight fumble recoveries, two interceptions and two tackles.
On both sides of the ball, Gravenberch helped Liverpool establish dominance against numerically superior opposition.
Slot did not need a second invitation to praise his compatriot.
Slot kudos to Ryan Gravenberch
“Impressed, like everyone who was in the stadium or watched the game,” said Slot de Gravenberch (via Official Liverpool website).
“Ryan was excellent again today. Without the ball, he was mostly in our back line, he had to play sometimes against a nine, against wings who are very quick. And with the ball, he got into the middle of the field
“An excellent performance from him. But if we just single him out, I don’t think I give enough credit to everyone else who played alongside him and around him. I couldn’t have asked for more.
“(We) dominated the game, more ball possession with 10 men, more chances created, everything you want. Unfortunately for us, maybe the one chance they had with 10 men led to a goal, that sometimes happens too.”
Arne Slot shows frustration with Bernd Leno’s antics
From Andy Robertson’s red card Andreas Pereira only received a yellow card for a robust challenge at Gravenberch, there was also plenty Slot wasn’t happy about on Saturday.
Another source of frustration was Fulham’s time-wasting tactics, led by goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
In fact, Slot was seen counting how long the German held onto the ball when he collected it inside his own box in the second half, reaching 10 before the camera panned away from him.
? | Arne Slot counting how long Leno had the ball in his hands was something!
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— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) December 14, 2024
Of course, goalkeepers dropping the ball is a regular part of the game, as frustrating as it is.
Slot would probably reprimand Alisson to Caoimhin Kelleher if they weren’t up to such antics.
