It is fair to say that Arne Slot has hit the ground running at Liverpool. 3 games into the season with a 100% record and no goals conceded. Not forgetting to mention a thumping victory against their arch rivals at their place.
With still a long way to go and not getting ahead of ourselves it is a fantastic feat.
The pressure was there due to the success and popularity of Jurgen Klopp. Slot has just been himself and you can see the pure focus on his face for the job in hand.
So who are the key players that have helped to build this fantastic platform for the rest of the season as we go into the international break.
Ryan Gravenberch
The surprise package within the Liverpool first XI. The search for a No. 6 at Liverpool is well documented.
With the Transfer Window now shut it is quite clear that this responsibility sits with Gravenberch. The Liverpool hierarchy could have brought in an alternative to Zubimendi but clearly decided that they had better in-house.
Gravenberch hasn’t let anyone down as of yet. In the 3 games so far he has been very self assured and does not look out of place.
His most impressive game came at Old Trafford on Sunday where he intercepted wayward passes from No. 6 veteran Casemiro to ensure that Liverpool took the lead.
Gravenberch has combined his strengths of athleticism and being comfortable in possession. His athleticism allows him to get up and down the pitch and do the heavy lifting leaving Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to do the creative work in the final third.
Another key attribute which has enabled Gravenberch to grow into this role is his reading of the game.
He has shown that he is able to not only sniff out danger but put Liverpool on the front foot to attack the opposition.
As mentioned above the tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford would have been his toughest test yet but he came out with flying colors. Going forward Slot will need his compatriot to maintain this level in the center of the park.