Arne Slot has had a better start to life as Liverpool manager than Jurgen Klopp or any of his predecessors – and one fundamental change to the team has been crucial

Ryan Gravenberch’s transformation into a defensive midfielder under Arne Slot has raised questions about why Jurgen Klopp did not do the same last season. He was one of Klopp’s last signings but did not become a regular in the first team last term.

Gravenberch, 22, made only 12 league starts during that debut season. However, Slot has turned his fellow Dutchman into an indispensable member of their new-look midfield.

That has translated to the Netherlands international playing every minute of the Reds’ Premier League and Champions League matches this campaign. The Reds’ former winger Jermaine Pennant has highlighted the difference a year makes.

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“What I think he’s done amazingly well, that Klopp didn’t, is he’s now starting to get the best out of Luis Diaz,” Pennant said on talkSPORT. “He’s now chipping in with goals galore.”

“And the transformation of Gravenberch, putting him as the number six. Klopp missed a trick there because we were playing Endo; no disrespect to [Wataru] Endo; he was just a stopgap. He can’t do what Gravenberch does, on the turn and driving through that midfield.”

Gravenberch has also acknowledged his improved form, attributing it to Slot’s confidence. “The coach knows that I have a lot of football in me,” he said.

“He has a clear plan, with the build-up, with the pressing. It’s up to me to maintain that and be consistent. He gave me the chance from the start. I had to focus on a certain position, a bit more defensive.

“I do my thing, and that works out well. That has to do with myself and with the coach. There was clarity from the start. We play as a team, and then the individual also looks better.”