'He has been reinvented': Tim Sherwood says one Liverpool player has well and truly exploded under Arne Slot
09/14/2024 02:15 AM
Liverpool have hit the ground running in the Premier League this season, winning all three of their matches so far.
In summer, some Reds fans were worried that the start of a new era at Anfield could bring teething problems along with it.
However, any lingering anxieties about the start of Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure were blown away along with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Not only do Liverpool have a 100 percent record so far, but they’re yet to concede a goal. And thrashing Man United at their own ground is always a bonus.
Now, Tim Sherwood has sung the praises of a Liverpool player who struggled somewhat last season but is now thriving under Slot.
Tim Sherwood hails new Liverpool No. 6 Ryan Gravenberch
The player in question is Ryan Gravenberch, who has been a revelation in the early stages of the season after being moved to No. 6.
Last term, the Dutchman struggled to force his way in Jurgen Klopp’s XI, but now he has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Sherwood, speaking on Premier League Productions, listed all of Gravenberch’s traits that make him a solid No. 6, and also praised some of his Liverpool teammates around him.
"Gravenberch as a six has been a massive plus for me. He has been reinvented,” said Sherwood.
“People thought he was eight, he would run forward into the box.
“He can handle the ball, he can break up the game, and he has got Szoboszlai and Mac Allister either side of him, two of the best eights in there.
“And you have got Mo Salah who is absolutely on fire again.”
READ MORE:Chris Sutton predicts winner of Liverpool v Nottingham Forest clash
Slot may have saved Liverpool tens of millions
As good as Klopp was as Liverpool manager, he didn’t seem interested in trying Gravenberch as a No. 6.
He opted to bring in Wataru Endo, a tougher, more defensively-minded player, for that role.
A defensive midfielder was said to be on Liverpool’s radar this season, but Slot has filled that position by converting Gravenberch into a No. 6.
Slot may well have saved Liverpool millions – even tens of millions – with this decision.
