Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has admitted he feels “more comfortable” with Arne Slot’s tactical system than he did last season under former manager Jurgen Klopp.
Gravenberch struggled to justify his £34m price tag last season, starting just 12 times in the Premier League. But he has already reached half that number so far in 2024/25, playing every minute so far. The big difference, apart from a year of settlement, is the manager.
The 22-year-old was asked the reason for his improvement by the Dutch publication Loyaltyletting it play more effectively in the different tactics employed by Slot.
“This is all exaggerated. I am Gravenberch himself,” he said. “Sometimes I had games (last season) where I only touched the ball after five minutes. Then I don’t get into my game, I don’t get into my rhythm. I feel more comfortable with that.”
Slots Liverpool they accumulate from the back in a slower way, unlike heavy metal gegenpressing favored by Klopp. It’s working, too, with the Reds not skipping a beat despite the potential for hurdles in a first managerial change in nine years. After six games, they top the classification Premier League.
“Coach knows I have a lot of football in me,” Gravenberch also said From Volksrant. “He has a clear plan, with the preparation, with the pressure. It’s up to me to stick to it and be consistent.
“He gave me the opportunity from the beginning. I had to focus on a certain position. A little more defensively. I do my thing and it goes well. It has to do with me and the coach. There it was clear from the start we play as a team, and then the individual also looks better.”
