Grizz Khan: ‘Virgil’s aura seems to be back, he’s been majestic for Liverpool’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Resilience and Return to the Top: Insights from Dave Davis and Grizz Khan

Liverpool find themselves in a familiar place—top of the Premier League table at the end of September. In the latest episode of The Daily Red, Dave Davis and Grizz Khan dive into the team’s performance and the season so far. Their analysis provides a deep reflection on Liverpool’s journey, not just for this season but also the team’s ongoing evolution under new manager Arne Slot. As we break down their podcast discussion, there are lessons for Liverpool fans to glean about resilience, adaptation, and leadership.

Wolves Victory: Hard-Fought Win

Liverpool’s recent 2-1 victory over Wolves left fans with mixed feelings. The game saw Liverpool underperform in certain areas, with fans not as ecstatic as one might expect from a team sitting at the summit of the table. As Davis noted, “It doesn’t feel like an ecstatic or a massively happy fan base when I scroll through social media,” reflecting the fanbase’s tempered excitement despite the positive position.

Grizz Khan, in response, attributed this sentiment to the nature of social media: “When have you ever known social media to be not divisive?” But despite the critical outlook from some, Khan reminded listeners of the bigger picture: “Regardless of everything else, we will finish the month of September top, and that’s what counts right now.”

Liverpool’s ability to find ways to win—even on a day when their performance was described as “mixed”—is an indication of their resilience. The match may not have showcased the fluidity and dominance fans expect, but it’s the result that ultimately matters, especially in a competitive Premier League season.

Virgil van Dijk’s Leadership and Return to Form

A key highlight from the podcast is the resurgence of Virgil van Dijk, the captain who is proving his doubters wrong. Khan admitted, “I was one of the few stupid ones who thought we may have seen the best of Virgil,” acknowledging how van Dijk’s performances have exceeded expectations after his injury struggles.

Van Dijk’s leadership has evolved under Slot’s new system, and Grizz pointed out that the defender’s aura has returned: “He’s been sublime, majestic—all of the adjectives we’ve used to describe Virgil in the last few years, that aura seems to be back.” His newfound responsibility, especially as one of the few senior players left in the squad, has transformed him into a more vocal and commanding leader on the pitch.

The Dutchman’s partnership with Ibrahima Konaté, another standout performer according to Grizz, has solidified Liverpool’s defense. While Konaté made a minor error in the Wolves match, his overall contribution remains significant. As Grizz succinctly put it, “Apart from that mistake, Konaté was magnificent—block after block, and his header was sublime.”

Ryan Gravenberch: Rising Star in Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch continues to impress, and both Dave and Grizz were quick to praise the young midfielder. “Everything about him so far has been immaculate,” Grizz said, lauding his technical ability, ball-carrying skills, and emerging defensive contributions.

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch’s maturity and growth have been one of the standout narratives of Liverpool’s season. At just 22 years old, he’s already making a significant impact in a new role that Slot has envisioned for him. Grizz described him as a player who’s “operating in a new position with different attributes,” which makes his performances even more commendable.

Dave echoed these sentiments, noting that Gravenberch’s concentration and focus have improved, as evidenced by his own post-match reflection: “We won, but we have to learn from what we missed today. We have to get better.” This level of self-awareness and humility is indicative of a player who is ready to grow and take on more responsibility.

Navigating The Season Under Arne Slot

Liverpool’s transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot was bound to be scrutinized, but the Reds have defied the pessimists. Grizz spoke about how opposition pundits expected Liverpool to fall off after Klopp’s departure, yet the team has remained competitive: “We are not falling off like the other clubs,” he stated confidently.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s pragmatic approach has kept Liverpool grounded despite the early season success. His comments after the Wolves game reflect a manager focused on the long term. He acknowledged the team’s current form but downplayed its significance: “It feels good to be top… but after 19 games it’ll tell me something, not after six,” Slot said.

Slot’s focus on gradual improvement and managing expectations is key. As Grizz pointed out, Liverpool have had a relatively favorable fixture list so far, but tougher challenges await. “The next set of six to eight fixtures will tell us everything,” Grizz noted, referring to upcoming matches against stronger opposition.

What Lies Ahead for Liverpool?

As October begins, Liverpool face Bologna in the Champions League, followed by Crystal Palace in the Premier League. These fixtures will test Slot’s ability to rotate the squad effectively. Grizz expects Liverpool to go strong in the Champions League, stating, “We’ll go strong. I think there will be two changes max.”

The podcast also touched on Liverpool’s prospects in domestic competitions like the Carabao Cup, where Grizz anticipates more rotation, giving opportunities to the squad’s fringe players.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s journey this season will hinge on how well they navigate the challenges ahead, both domestically and in Europe. Slot has shown a steady hand so far, and with players like van Dijk, Gravenberch, and Konaté hitting their stride, there’s every reason for fans to remain optimistic.