Ryan Gravenberch aims fresh dig at Jurgen Klopp as he discusses Liverpool revival
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been one of the standout performers under Arne Slot this season after an indifferent maiden campaign at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp
Ryan Gravenberch has thanked Arne Slot for helping him find his rhythm at Liverpool after admitting it was 'difficult' playing a bit-part role under Jurgen Klopp last year.
The Netherlands international, 22, joined the Reds from Bayern Munich as part of a midfield overhaul last season, which turned out to be Klopp's final one at the helm.
Gravenberch started just 12 times in the Premier League under Klopp but has already clocked up more starts (14) under Slot this term. Furthermore, Gravenberch has starred in a deeper role after being trusted to play as Liverpool's first-choice defensive pivot.
The player himself has credited Slot for his fine start to the season, which he says is down to confidence and a run of games. "Now I play a lot of games as a starter, so it’s a little bit different. The coach gave me confidence when I needed it and I'm happy that I can show myself again," Gravenberch told TNT Sports.
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"Then the next game you’re on the bench again, so that’s difficult. So yeah, just the run of games - that gives you the confidence if you’re doing good on the pitch.
"I'm happy that I'm playing. To be on the pitch again for 90 minutes and I can show off myself."
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Gravenberch echoed similar sentiments earlier in the season when he went out of his way to praise Slot for giving him back his confidence after a difficult maiden campaign under Klopp.
Speaking back in September, the midfielder told Sky Sports: "This season I wanted to show myself again and I am really happy. He put me in the starting 11 and gave me a lot of confidence. I think a team like Liverpool always has to be in the top four.
"We keep pushing but it’s still really early. We knew this was always going to be difficult for us. I think after 20 or 25 minutes we did really well and we got the three points so I’m really happy with that."
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