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Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Ryan Gravenberch has been praised following the impact of new head coach Arne Slot
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson(Image: Sky Sports)
Paul Merson has praised the impact that Arne Slot has made on Ryan Gravenberch's form since becoming Liverpool head coach. Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer and has won eight of his first nine matches in charge of the club.
Gravenberch has been one of the key members of the Liverpool squad this season and has played the full 90 minutes in all six Premier League fixtures and both Champions League matches against AC Milan and Bologna. The Netherlands international has formed an impressive partnership in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this term and is one of the first names on the team sheet under Slot.
Liverpool signed Gravenberch in the summer of 2023 from Bayern Munich in a deal that could reach up to £40 million. Klopp was the manager when Gravenberch arrived, but Merson has praised the work Slot has done with the midfielder on the training ground.
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“He looks a far better player than he was last term. On the contrary, if you look up the road towards Manchester and you really can’t find anyone who has improved as a player under Ten Hag."
It remains to be seen if Slot will start Gravenberch for the seventh consecutive Premier League game of the season on Saturday against Crystal Palace. The Reds have a quick turnaround for the 12.30pm kick-off at Selhurst Park after facing Bologna in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
As well as Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Liverpool also have Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton in the squad who could be involved, as well as academy starlet Trey Nyoni. Harvey Elliott remains unavailable, though, as he recovers from a fractured foot he suffered while on international duty last month.