'My goodness': Steve Nicol says 'sensational' Liverpool player has completely shocked him this season
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With six wins and a defeat from seven Premier League games this season, Arne Slot has enjoyed a strong start to life at Anfield after replacing Jurgen Klopp at the helm.
The Reds have already kept five Premier League clean sheets and have conceded just two goals, while their attackers have fired on all cylinders barring the surprise 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Things are falling into place for the Dutchman, who looks set to build on Klopp’s legacy at the club.
A handful of players have impressed at the start of the season, but Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as one of the unexpected stars of Slot’s team.
And Steve Nicol believes the Dutch international has proved everyone wrong with his performances at the heart of the midfield.
Steve Nicol showers high praise on Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi as the midfielder opted to remain at his boyhood club despite having his head turned initially.
In the wake of the Spaniard’s transfer snub, Slot refrained from dipping into the market for reinforcements and instead opted to use Gravenberch in the number six role.
And his decision has proved to be an inspired one, with Nicol particularly impressed by the 22-year-old’s ability to break up play in the centre of the park.
"Talk about coming from absolutely nowhere,” said Nicol about Gravenberch on ESPN UK’s YouTube channel.
“When I saw the team sheet against Ipswich Town on the opening weekend, I was like why is Gravenberch playing?
Read More:Ian Wright says £35m Liverpool player looks so much more confident now
“But my goodness what he produced – talk about putting somebody in the perfect position. He has been sensational. The amount of times he breaks up the play because of his starting position and his decision-making has really surprised me.
“It's shocked me, to be honest. I was looking at Gravenberch as someone Slot would look to move on but in a very short space of time he has completely changed my opinion and I'm sure, plenty of other opinions as well.
Sky is the limit for Gravenberch
Signed for £34m from Bayern Munich last summer, Gravenberch blew hot and cold under Klopp in his first season at the club and didn’t nail down a place in the team.
Read More:Paul Merson says Arne Slot has completely transformed 'outstanding' Liverpool player
However, the arrival of a new manager has worked wonders for him as he continues to flourish as a number six.
Gravenberch has thus far combined his work rate and technique with incredible elegance and looks at home alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield.
Tougher tests against Chelsea and Arsenal are on the horizon, so the coming weeks will really determine whether Gravenberch has actually transformed himself or his form at the start of the season was just a purple patch.
