'How many times': Arne Slot says he instantly changed his mind about one player today as soon as Everton scored
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Ryan Gravenberch was the star of the show on Saturday after guiding Liverpool to a 2-1 win over Everton.
It was not an especially pretty afternoon for the Reds, as they threatened to give up a two-goal lead for the fourth time this season.
Nevertheless, first-half strikes from Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike were ultimately enough to maintain Liverpool‘s perfect start to the Premier League season.
Gravenberch himself has been in stunning form since the campaign began, following on from a season in which the Dutchman won the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year.
If he carries on this way, then he’ll have a shot at an even bigger prize this term.
Gravenberch’s goal was beautifully taken, and he then added to that by slotting Ekitike through brilliantly to score.
Watching on from the sidelines, Arne Slot must have been delighted with his countryman.
And speaking to the press after the game, Slot said he saw something even more impressive than Gravenberch’s goal and assist against Everton.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Gravenberch has become famed at Liverpool for being virtually ever-present in Slot’s starting XI.
The 23-year-old started 37 of the Reds’ 38 league matches last season and has not missed a minute when available in the new campaign so far.
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Asked about this fact during his post-match press conference on Saturday, Slot revealed that he was actually just about to take Gravenberch off against Everton, but the Toffees’ goal meant the No.
38 was still very much needed.
“I was planning to take him off after 60 minutes, but then we conceded a goal,” said the Liverpool head coach.
“He took the spotlight mainly because of the attacking things he does, but I also see how much he runs off the ball, how many times he’s there to help out Conor [Bradley] when he’s in a two vs one situation, and the same with Dominik Szoboszlai.
“The amount of sprints they make to help Conor, but a bit Mo Salah as well.
But the truth is that Liverpool are not the same team without him.
Slot must find a way to remedy that during the season, or he runs the risk of burning Gravenberch out.
Nevertheless, the former Ajax prospect is in line for a brief rest this week, with Slot confirming that neither he, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk or Dominik Szoboszlai will feature in midweek against Southampton.
The Reds face Saints in a Carabao Cup tie at Anfield on Tuesday, with some of Slot’s more fringe players set to get a run-out.