Arne Slot has singled out Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch as two players who have exceeded his expectations since taking over as Liverpool’s manager. Slot, who joined the Reds from Feyenoord, has enjoyed a stellar start to his tenure, with Liverpool sitting atop both the Premier League and their Champions League group.
They’ve lost only one game in both competitions this season, thanks in part to standout performances from players like Mohamed Salah, who has already netted 23 goals.
However, it’s Van Dijk and Gravenberch who have surprised Slot the most. Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus, Slot praised Van Dijk for his technical ability, especially on the ball. He remarked: “Everybody here in England would tell you that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world.
In Holland, he got a bit more criticism than he gets over here in England. I was, in a very positive way, surprised how good he was on the ball, how he could play balls through the lines. From the first day I worked with him, I was like: ‘Wow, this is definitely another level than I’m used to.’”
Slot also lauded Gravenberch’s growth in midfield. The 22-year-old former Ajax and Bayern Munich player has flourished in a deeper midfield role this season, after a quiet first campaign at Anfield.
Gravenberch, who has started every Premier League match this season, credits his improvement to the regular playing time he’s received.
He explained, “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. Just the run of games – that gives you the confidence if you’re doing good on the pitch.”
Gravenberch’s rise has been a testament to the importance of consistency and trust from his manager, and with Liverpool in top form, he’s eager to keep proving himself on the pitch.