Slot: Gravenberch has helped Release the Brilliance of Mac Allister

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Anfield Index

·5 maggio 2025

Slot: Gravenberch has helped Release the Brilliance of Mac Allister

Gravenberch Emerges as Slot’s Masterstroke in Midfield

In a season where Liverpool have defied expectations and reclaimed domestic supremacy, the transformation of Ryan Gravenberch into a commanding No.6 has arguably been the club’s most defining development. Signed under Klopp in the final hours of the 2023 summer transfer window for £34.3 million, the Dutch international has become Arne Slot’s midfield lynchpin—an evolution few anticipated when he arrived from Bayern Munich.

The backdrop to Gravenberch’s arrival was hardly serene. Liverpool had just failed in a high-profile bid to land Moises Caicedo, who instead joined Chelsea for £111 million.

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Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Tactical Bet Pays Off

Speaking with rare candidness about his decision-making, Arne Slot revealed the pivotal moment when his vision for Gravenberch began to crystallise.

“I asked Ryan if he could come back a bit earlier than he actually did, because we had a few games in America to play and I was really curious how he would do in that position,” said Slot. “When we came back from America there was only two games left on the same day so there wasn’t a lot of time for me to try something out.”

Slot’s observations weren’t limited to Gravenberch. The Dutch coach had in-depth discussions with several players over the summer, including Alexis Mac Allister. Their conversation would prove crucial in shaping Liverpool’s midfield identity.

“I spoke to most of the players in their summer break and one of the things Alexis said to me – and I also felt the same – was that he has no problem playing as a six, but he prefers to play with a six behind him,” Slot added.

Slot acted swiftly. By encouraging Gravenberch to return ahead of schedule, he was able to deploy him against Manchester United—an early test that revealed just how suited he was to the role.

“Ryan did come back one or two days earlier and that way he could play the Manchester United game in that position and I immediately liked it because he was so comfortable on the ball.”

Gravenberch Elevates Liverpool’s Possession Play

Gravenberch’s influence goes beyond stability. His composure under pressure, ability to dictate tempo, and intelligent use of space have allowed Liverpool to transition seamlessly from defence to attack. In Slot’s own words, the 22-year-old has exceeded expectations.

“He has all the ingredients to play really well in that position,” Slot said. “Perhaps what he could add to his game is maybe one or two touch play and find even more players in between the lines.

“He can take Virgil [van Dijk] as an example because for me he is our best player in that part, finding players in between the lines. But he’s done great, Ryan, that’s for sure.”

In many ways, Gravenberch is now the blueprint for modern deep-lying midfielders—tall, mobile, elegant, and tactically astute.

Photo: IMAGO

Mac Allister Benefits as Gravenberch Anchors

Perhaps the most significant side effect of Gravenberch’s emergence has been the liberation of Alexis Mac Allister. Often fielded out of position last season, the Argentine World Cup winner now has the platform to influence play higher up the pitch. It’s a dynamic that has allowed Liverpool to operate with a fluid, three-man midfield capable of dominating possession and controlling transitions.

Gravenberch’s growth has also provided financial flexibility. With the No.6 role securely filled, Liverpool can now redirect summer investment elsewhere—a crucial advantage given the competitive landscape.

While fans once questioned whether the club had settled for a second-choice signing, it now appears they struck gold. In Gravenberch, Liverpool may not only have found their present, but their future as well.