Thiago Alcantara makes Ryan Gravenberch prediction and explains Liverpool ambition

Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara was back at Anfield for the Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday

Thiago Alcantara believes former Liverpool team-mate Ryan Gravenberch has the intelligence to keep improving as a number six under Arne Slot. Thiago was back at Anfield for the first time since leaving at the end of last season when he attended the shock 1-0 Premier League loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.

Gravenberch, who has been transformed into a defensive midfielder this season, was a rare bright spot on an otherwise gloomy afternoon for the Reds as their 100% start was ended in disappointing fashion.

And Thiago is convinced the 22-year-old has the attributes to further adapt to his new role at Liverpool.

"All great players, they have to get experience, they have to adapt to different circumstances that they have in a game," said the Spaniard. "He is doing that and getting better in that position.

"Sometimes as a number six, you can see he is very flowing through midfield and it's pretty good to see how he is involving himself and adapting to that position.

"He is an intelligent kid so he will adapt fast to the moments in the game and anything the coach says. He has done that.

"They are incredibly good the three in midfield, not just him but Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) and Dom (Szoboszlai). Being surrounded by good players makes you a better player as well."

Thiago announced his retirement from playing shortly after leaving Liverpool with injury problems having restricted him to just one brief outing since April 2023.

The 33-year-old had spent the summer assisting the coaching staff at another of his former clubs, Barcelona. And when asked about his future plans, he said: "I had the chance to get into football again, helping the coaching staff of Barcelona.

"I decided for the practical part, not for the theory – just because of the experience I had doing all these years in football and the kind of role I had in the team. I just want to pass it through to other players. I love to help new players as well, young players to develop under the coach. It was pretty good spirits."

Speaking to LFC TV, Thiago also revealed he had achieved a major ambition by turning up at Anfield at the weekend.

"It’s always been a goal to be at this stadium not just as a player but also as a fan," he said. "I had the fortune – life gave me the chance – to be here for four years as a football player.

"I believe it was one of the best times of my life as well. Now I have the chance any time being such a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well. It’s a pretty good time to be here."