Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Hails Gravenberch’s Revival Ahead of 2025/26 Title Defense
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has heaped praise on Ryan Gravenberch, calling the 23-year-old midfielder a key part of the team’s plans as they gear up to defend their Premier League title in the 2025/26 season.
Speaking on July 1, 2025, as pre-season preparations began, Slot described Gravenberch as “a revelation,” citing his high energy, adaptability, and growing confidence as reasons for his standout performances.
Slot’s remarks come amid a busy summer for Liverpool, with fans excited by Gravenberch’s resurgence and a staggering £287 million investment in new signings.
Gravenberch, who arrived from Bayern Munich in 2023 for £34.2 million, initially struggled to adapt but flourished last season. He featured in 38 league games, scoring six goals and providing eight assists.
His impressive stats—including a 92% pass completion rate, 67 successful dribbles, and 102 ball recoveries—demonstrated his all-around impact in midfield, where he has become a regular starter alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
Slot said during a press briefing, “Ryan’s energy and ability to dictate play have been exceptional. He’s become the heartbeat of our midfield.”
One of his standout displays came in a 3-1 win over Manchester City, where he contributed both a goal and an assist, underlining his growing importance.
Gravenberch’s emergence comes during a major squad reshuffle, which has seen big-money arrivals like Florian Wirtz (£116m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), and Marc Guéhi (£100m). Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah departed for £35 million, and seven academy players were released.
His breakthrough has helped ease worries about Ibrahima Konaté potentially leaving on a free in 2026 and Harvey Elliott’s openness to a transfer. Slot now sees Gravenberch as a long-term successor to Thiago Alcântara in terms of creativity.
Supporters on X have been full of praise, with one post reading, “Gravenberch under Slot is world-class—our midfield’s future!” Analysts also noted his defensive stats, with @LFCStats highlighting, “Only Rodri had more recoveries among midfielders last season.”
Still, Liverpool faces challenges ahead. Andy Robertson is out with an ACL injury, and the search for a new striker continues. Gravenberch’s central role will be crucial in a season filled with high expectations.
His connection with Florian Wirtz—who produced 104 key passes last season—could form the creative core of Liverpool’s attacking play.
Slot’s trust in Gravenberch, now capped 12 times for the Netherlands, marks a major turnaround from his inconsistent Bayern stint and places him at the heart of Liverpool’s pursuit of domestic and European success.
