Arne Slot says he was very impressed by £34m player in Liverpool’s latest friendly win vs Man United

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Arne Slot has sung the praises of a Liverpool star who failed to hit the ground under Jurgen Klopp last season.

The 2023-24 campaign proved to be the German’s last season at the helm at Anfield as he announced his decision to step down from his job after nearly nine years.

Slot has huge shoes to fill at Anfield, but the early signs suggest Liverpool have hired a fantastic young manager. The Reds have secured three wins from three pre-season friendlies so far, with their recent 3-0 win against Manchester United in the USA the pick of the bench.

Goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas spurred Liverpool on to a comfortable win, but Slot was particularly impressed with a player who could play a key role for the club in the upcoming campaign.

How did Gravenberch perform against Manchester United?

Ryan Gravenberch started at the heart of the midfield against Manchester United, with Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott either side of him. The Dutchman looked assured on the ball and was comfortable dropping deep to kick-start attacks, while he was heavily involved in Liverpool’s build-up play.

Indeed, in Rousing the Kop’s player ratings, Gravenberch was given an 8/10 for his impressive display.

Slot was posed a wide range of questions by British newspaper journalists in South Carolina, most of which were about transfers. However, when quizzed on Liverpool’s number six woes as they don’t have a specialist player in that position, Slot named Gravenberch as someone who can succeed in that role.

He said (quotes via The Daily Mail): “I think Ryan (Gravenberch) did really well in that position (against Manchester United in South Carolina) and we have other options as well.

The Liverpool boss also indicated that the club are working diligently behind the scenes to sign players before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.

He added: “The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven’t, but a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what’s available, players who can strengthen the squad and that is what we — Richard mostly — but me as well are looking to do. That is not particular to one position. We constantly evaluate the squad where can we do something and what we have.”

Slot’s comment on Gravenberch should come as a welcome boost to the Dutchman, who flattered to deceive last season.

Having signed for a fee of £34m from Bayern Munich, he was unable to nail down a starting spot in the team and was guilty of being a bit careless on the ball.

However, every player has a clean slate under the new boss, so Gravenberch could well emerge as a key player for Slot this season.

If Slot does back the Dutchman the pressure will be on him to make an impression and quickly, though.

If Gravenberch starts the season slowly then it is almost inevitable that question marks will start to be asked over why Liverpool decided against signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window, if no business is done between now and deadline day.

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