Peter Crouch says two Liverpool players have ‘improved so much’ after Reds beat Crystal Palace 1-0

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Liverpool weren’t at their best but secured a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park courtesy of Diogo Jota’s first-half goal.

The Portuguese international latched on to a clever pass from Cody Gakpo to poke the ball home with a first-time finish as the Reds took an early lead.

Palace grew into the game, particularly in the second half after Alisson Becker’s injury, but Liverpool hung on to secure all three points on their travels.

Speaking after the game, Peter Crouch singled out two Liverpool players for special praise after their performances away from home.

Peter Crouch lauds Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch

While Ryan Gravenberch has started every Premier League game under Arne Slot, Gakpo has mostly played second fiddle to Luis Diaz this season.

However, the Dutchman was preferred on the left flank against Palace and did his reputation no harm with a brilliant assist and an industrious performance overall.

Crouch believes Gravenberch and Gakpo have improved tremendously under Slot as he went on to describe the former as a ‘revelation’ for his performances as a number six.

Read More: Peter Crouch thinks Liverpool have just picked up a ‘bad’ injury against Crystal Palace

“They have both improved so much I think since he (Arne Slot) has arrived,” said Crouch on TNT Sports 1.

“They have gone up a level. Gakpo this year has been really unlucky not to start games, Gravenberch in the midfield has been absolutely a revelation.

“Whether it’s something he is saying to them, I genuinely believe they have gone up a level.”

Joe Cole echoed his compatriot’s thoughts, as he singled out Gakpo for special praise after his industrious performance in a tough away game today.

“They (Gakpo and Gravenberch) have been brilliant. His whole performance, Gakpo in particular, was excellent today,” said Cole.

“But right at the death, when they were under the cosh a little bit, the ball has come up to him, he has brought it down, he has broken the lines, he has gone past somebody, won a corner.

“He does everything now. He can play in a number of positions. He has gone up another level.”

Gakpo and Gravenberch’s stats vs Palace

Gakpo earned himself a Sofascore rating of 8.6 as he made five key passes and created one big chance on top of his assist for Jota.

Read More: Arne Slot spotted going mad on the touchline during Liverpool against Crystal Palace

Gravenberch, on the other hand, once again ran the show in the center of the park as he had 82 touches of the ball and won 100% of his ground duels (2/2).

Both players are in fine form and are expected to play important roles for the Netherlands as they prepare to take on Hungary and Germany in the UEFA Nations League.