The Dutchman has become a real star under Arne Slot and was key in winning the Premier League.

The Reds have seen many of their players step up this season and prove their worth, but none more so than Ryan Gravenberch.

The midfielder has gone from a bit-part player under Jurgen Klopp to a vital cog in Arne Slot’s winning machine, much to the surprise of many.

The 23-year-old played in all bar one of Liverpool‘s league games, with the one he missed coming against Chelsea after the Reds had already confirmed the league title.

Why Ryan Gravenberch’s rapid transformation is mark of Arne Slot’s genius	Ryan Gravenberch’s rapid transformation is mark of Arne Slot’s genius	Ryan Gravenberch on Liverpool success, fitting nickname and Arne Slot influence

Despite excelling under his fellow Dutchman, he was forced to do so in a position he had never really played, with Gravenberch himself revealing what he thought about his new role.

Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Gravenberch came to Liverpool as a progressive midfielder who liked to carry the ball forwards and create opportunities for his side.

That meant that a few eyebrows were raised when Slot dropped him further back and asked him to sit in front of the defence, something that many fans did not think he was capable of doing.

However, Gravenberch himself did not let this get to him and admitted that he was excited for this switch in positions.

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“When the coach told me about where he wanted me to play, I just thought ‘when can I start?’ I knew I could do it, even though defensively I sometimes had my doubts.

I do think I took a big step forward because it actually went naturally,” Gravenberch told The Mirror.

“From the first training session it went pretty well.

As the season went on, opponents started to put a different pressure on us and closed us down through the middle.

It was up to us to find the free players.”

This selfless act from Gravenberch has put to bed years of heartache in this position, with players like Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo rejecting a move to Liverpool in the past.

However, the Dutchman looks to have cemented himself in the middle of the park for years to come, all because of a genius tactic from the manager.

Despite winning Premier League Young Player of the Year and being integral in Slot’s plans, the Reds still need a player that can help manage Gravenberch’s game time.

Wataru Endo looks like he will stay at Liverpool next season, but even he could not force his way into the team when the Dutchman saw a drop-off in form due to fatigue.

If the Reds can find a player who can ease the number of minutes Gravenberch needs to play, they will be hopeful that the 23-year-old will be able to maintain the form he showed towards the start of the season, meaning Liverpool would dominate the midfield almost every game.

However, finding a player of such quality who does not mind being a bit-part player is another story, suggesting a look internally may be better off.

A player like Curtis Jones could certainly fill the role, although Slot would need to trust him more to allow Gravenberch a rest in games where he is not necessarily needed.
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