Stat Me Up: Liverpool’s Key Men Power Slot to Historic Start | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Dominance Continues: Nunez, Gravenberch, and Slot’s Masterclass

Liverpool are flying high in the 2024/25 season, sitting top of the Premier League and riding the wave of a strong start under new manager Arne Slot. In a recent episode of the Stat Me Up podcast on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Bence Bocsak broke down Liverpool’s form, focusing on key players like Darwin Nunez and Ryan Gravenberch. As Liverpool look ahead to a crucial fixture against Arsenal, there’s much to discuss about the team’s momentum and individual performances.

Nunez Seizes His Moment

Darwin Nunez has been a hot topic for Liverpool fans, and the Stat Me Up podcast touched on his contribution in recent matches. In the 1-0 win against Red Bull Leipzig, Nunez scored the decisive goal, and Bocsak didn’t shy away from discussing the Uruguayan’s performance.

“He was involved in 10 duels yesterday,” Bocsak remarked, before adding that in the Chelsea match, despite not starting, “he was involved in 17 duels.” This aggressive play style, pressing high and forcing errors from the opposition, has been a hallmark of Nunez’s recent performances. Although not all of his duels result in victory, his relentless work rate is paying dividends for Liverpool.

Despite some debates over whether Nunez’s goal against Leipzig was headed for the post, Bocsak gave credit where it was due: “As a striker, you’ve got to have that instinct… He did the right thing tapping it in.”

Gravenberch: A Midfield Dynamo

Ryan Gravenberch has been another standout performer for Liverpool, and Bocsak’s analysis during the podcast highlighted the Dutchman’s growing influence. Against Leipzig, Gravenberch showcased his all-around game, contributing both defensively and offensively. Bocsak noted that Gravenberch “made the most recoveries from outfield players” and boasted an impressive “95% passing accuracy.”

Gravenberch’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and the podcast speculated on his future impact. “If he puts in performances like that against Arsenal and Man City, then we’ve got to put him in the conversation for one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League, if not world football,” said Bocsak. For a player born in 2002, his maturity and poise in the middle of the park have been pivotal to Liverpool’s resurgence.

Slot’s Historic Start

Arne Slot’s impact at Liverpool cannot be overstated. After taking over from Jürgen Klopp in May 2024, Slot has led Liverpool to an impressive run of results. Bocsak was keen to point out the Dutch manager’s record-breaking start: “Slot is the first Liverpool manager to win his first six away games.”

Photo: IMAGO

Comparing Slot’s record to other Liverpool legends, Bocsak revealed that “even the most successful managers like Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan couldn’t match that start.” The Dutchman’s tactical nous has been evident in both domestic and European fixtures, and his ability to get the best out of his squad, including new signings like Gravenberch, has been crucial to Liverpool’s early success.

Conclusion

As Liverpool prepare for their next big test against Arsenal, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the team. With Nunez working tirelessly upfront and Gravenberch pulling the strings in midfield, the Reds look well-equipped to continue their charge at the top. Under Slot’s guidance, Liverpool have not only maintained their high standards but set new ones, breaking records and delivering consistent performances across all competitions. The podcast discussion makes it clear that Liverpool’s journey under Slot is just beginning, but the early signs are promising.