The start to the season was massively overshadowed by the talk of an understaffed midfield and the lack of a true Defensive Midfielder (DM). Now just 3 games later all these thoughts and opinions seem to be disappearing. Why?
Ryan Gravenberch
The man who has been asked to fulfil the DM role has done it unbelievably so far. His technical ability and physical attributes have been on show for everyone to see and his huge potential that made everyone take notice of him at Ajax seems to be coming through.
When in play the role Gravenberch plays isn’t akin to the style that Slot seemed to want with Martin Zubimendi.
He is a much more athletic presence, the ability Gravenberch has to get up and down the pitch is what has so far unlocked his talents in this new role.
It looked as if Slot wanted a DM who could sit and dictate the tempo, Gravenberch is getting forward, aggressive in the press, forward thinking all the time and proactive when defending. He may not be the prototypical DM but from what we have seen, he may just be the answer for “Slot Ball”.
Alexis Mac Allister
The Argentine has been a huge success since joining the Reds. He is the man who has been entrusted with the role of dictating the tempo. His passing and discipline have been important for the midfield pivot.
His lack of athleticism is covered by Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, but what he lacks in athleticism he makes up for with the passing range and types he can pull off.
Mac Allister’s role in the team is to find the attackers, he has a Thiago-esque play style. The passes he can make can’t be done by most other squad members, the passes into the forward areas help unlock the attacking threat Liverpool possess.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Dom is the attacking midfielder in the 3, the engine and creator for the team. Since joining the Reds Szobo has had different roles in the team, under Klopp, he was used as a number 8, a little deeper than how he’s being used now.
Under Slot, Dom has started well in his more natural position as the number 10.
The dribbling and playmaking ability he has makes the attack move with swiftness and the engine he has massively helps the attack in the press, the willingness of a player to work for the team cannot be understated, it allows for some players to focus on their own roles rather than the bigger picture.
Along with Gravenberch, Szoboszlai is an athlete, however, this should not take away from the fact that this midfield trio is one of the most talented in the league and Europe.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have had an ongoing feud about Neville saying he would think that this time last year Klopp would have swapped his midfield for Man United’s, just one year later that statement has been debunked and well and truly put to bed with the performances of not only these three but also, Endo and Elliott.