Taking a closer look into Ryan Gravenberch's breakout under Arne Slot

The Premier League season has gone through its first three weeks. Led by Arne Slot, Liverpool have won three matches in a row without a goal conceded.

The good result lies in Slot’s adjustment of his lineup on the pitch. Deciding which midfielder to play is tough for Liverpool as its midcourt ladder is dominant with talents and strength, and Slot picked up Ryan Gravenberch who struggled to find his best form last season.

So far, everything works really well when he starts, and his performances throughout the matches are effective and encouraging.

How does the Netherlands International fit in the system?

Old Trafford Witnessed Gravenberch’s Breakout

The consecutive G/A contributions by Mo Salah and Luiz Diaz are amazing, but Gravenberch’s performance is also impressive to headline the match.

If you can’t get the point that Gravenberch deserves a starting spot in the previous two matches, the topical battle against Manchester United can tell you all. 

It was a shame to see Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 5th-minute goal called off-side when he intended to pay tribute to his model Steven Gerrard, but Gravenberch, was the initiator of the attack, as he dribbled down the box past Matthijs de Ligt with a right-foot pass to Luiz Diaz who then crossed from the left for Alexander-Arnold to catch fire.

His unfazed play showed a good sign at the beginning of the fight.

His later contribution was massive. In Liverpool’s first goal from the 34th minute, Gravenberch pressed and cut down Casemiro’s pass to the front, dribbling all the way to the front right.

As his teammates settled in on both sides, he opted to connect with Mo Salah on his right, who later assisted Diaz’s header.

Gravenberch’s movement and runs were all for making threats offensively. With a team-high four interceptions and two tackles, he completed 34 passes out of his 41 attempts (82.9% completion), and made 27 carries (including three progressive carries). 

“His quality on the ball could be my first answer but I think coming from the Netherlands we all know how good he is with the ball,” Slot said in the post-match press conference. “He can be a really important player for our build-up game, but what impressed me most when I started working with him (was) how much he can run and then still how good he is when he arrives in the duel.”

Why Gravenberch fits in Slot’s System

Gravenberch had made a statement before the season. His performance against Sevilla during pre-season showcased his technical skill and progression, which are crucial for Slot’s system.

Despite initial questions about his defensive solidity, Gravenberch used a season to navigate his position and made progress.

His ability to play out of tight spaces and make quick decisions has made him a vital component in Slot’s possession-based approach.

In Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brentford this season, Gravenberch's influence was evident. He completed the most passes (71) and contributed defensively with three tackles and nine recoveries.

This performance was part of a whole team effort contributing to Liverpool’s 92% pass completion, setting a 20-year Premier League record for the club.

Arne Slot’s tactical approach has been transformative for Liverpool, and Gravenberch has been somehow the core of the playmaking.

Slot prioritizes calmness and efficiency over the direct come-back play that was previously favored under Jurgen Klopp.

Gravenberch’s role as a midfielder, or the No.6, has been pivotal for Slot’s execution of his mindset. 

His ability to recycle possession and shrug off the press through skill and strength is foundational to Slot’s football.

This new approach has contributed to Liverpool's more compact shape, which has helped the team remain unbeaten and yet to concede a goal this season.

Gravenberch faces competition from Wataru Endo for the No. 6 role, but his early performances have made a strong case for his continued inclusion in the starting lineup.

Slot has challenged Gravenberch to establish himself in this deeper role, and the 22-year-old has responded positively.

His ability to execute half-turns, deliver through-passes, and make driving runs can either make him outstanding from the interior competition or lead Liverpool to victory.