Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Arne Slot (right) has helped transform the Liverpool career of Ryan Gravenberch (right)(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

It was back in August last year when Ryan Gravenberch, casually perched on the steps inside Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre in Kirkby while fielding questions from journalists, was asked if he had been scouring the internet to learn tips from the great defensive midfielders.

Gravenberch, having spent his first season at Liverpool operating in a variety of attacking midfield roles, had recently been transformed by Arne Slot into part of a double pivot at the base of the new head coach's engine room.

READ MORE:Arsene Wenger claims Liverpool lost 'new transfer game' as Arne Slot recruitment plans unchangedREAD MORE:Liverpool need to break bank to sign new striker - I think five players will leave

Given the Reds had failed in their attempt to recruit Spain Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad earlier in the month, it was a change perhaps as much through necessity as design.

But the subtle tactical shift of Slot away from Jurgen Klopp’s tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 approach to 4-2-3-1 also offered Gravenberch a chance to stake his claim for a regular role having previously been in and out of the team.

The 22-year-old, though, could not have expected the chance that fell his way when, after brief exposure in the role during pre-season preparations, he started in the position alongside Alexis Mac Allister for the Premier League opener at Ipswich Town.

Article continues below

Gravenberch grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

“But I spoke to Macca and also (Wataru) Endo about what they do, anticipating where the ball can come, just some little chats.”

While Endo, a regular for much of last season, was restricted to a succession of impact substitute appearances – essentially becoming Liverpool’s new version of ace game-closer James Milner – Mac Allister and Gravenberch emerged as a key partnership in the Reds’ winning a second Premier League title in five years, with Slot preferring a more possession-based, controlled game in comparison to the occasional chaos under Klopp.

When confirmed as new Liverpool boss early last summer, Slot made a point of phoning each of his players to map out his vision, both collectively and individually.

And Gravenberch was told to concentrate not only on the number eight position, but also that of number six.

“When I played at Ajax I also played this role, not a lot, so I knew a little bit of what I had to do,” he said.

That’s what we’re seeing.”

One observer who had already spotted the potential of a change for Gravenberch was former Real Madrid and Holland star Rafael van der Vaart.

“I advise Ryan to opt for a role as a defensive midfielder,” he said back in June last year.

Ryan is also very versatile and I recommend him to make a similar choice, in a role like Patrick Vieira once played at Arsenal and France.”

Indeed, Gravenberch’s performances for Liverpool this season have marked him out as one of most improved players and best midfielders in the Premier League.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.