Liverpool need Arne Slot to repeat Ryan Gravenberch trick with three players

Liverpool fans might have been left lamenting the lack of signings this summer, but few can deny that new manager Arne Slot is getting the best out of the squad he’s been left with. And after the latest dominant display from Ryan Gravenberch, albeit at international level, attention will now turn to whether Slot can turnaround the form of other potential club stars.

Gravenberch arrived from Bayern Munich last summer in a £34million deal, but failed to fire in his debut season despite making 38 appearances.

Largely confined to a squad role, his future at Anfield even looked in doubt when the club targeted Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi this summer, with the Spaniard rejecting a move to Anfield.

But thus far, the 22-year-old has appeared a player rejuvenated in a deeper role under his compatriot, featuring in each of Liverpool’s three Premier League wins. And following a standout performance in the 3-0 triumph at Manchester United, he also shone on Tuesday night in Holland’s 2-2 Nations League draw with Germany.

Speaking on NOS, Dutch pundit Rafael Van der Vaart said afterwards: “Ryan Gravenberch? We got a fantastic midfielder for our country. Arne Slot brought him back to his highest level and his potential is fully coming out. The first 60 minutes he was by far the best player on the pitch.”

Liverpool supporters will now hope the ex-Feyenoord man can revitalise the club careers of three other players in particular. Darwin Nunez has divided opinion since his big money move from Benfica in the summer of 2022, with his work rate and threat plagued by the notion of frequently missing big chances.

And he’s yet to start under the new manager this season, restricted to two late substitute appearances at United and in the home win over Brentford. The perception remains that the 25-year-old has the potential to become a serious force in the Premier League, with the challenge for Slot now to turn him into a consistent and reliable No.9.

A similar conundrum faces him with Cody Gakpo. Having been a joint golden boot winner at Euro 2024, hopes were high the Dutch forward, 25, would improve on his scoring record at Liverpool this season, having racked up 23 goals in 79 appearances before the new campaign.

Like Nunez however, Gakpo is yet to feature in any of Slot’s starting line-ups, utilised instead as a second half impact player. If Slot can get his forward option firing in red in the same manner he did in orange this summer, then he suddenly he’ll have a welcome headache for his front three – with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota having impressed alongside Mo Salah so far.

Perhaps the biggest test for the 45-year-old however, will be the test of transforming Curtis Jones into a consistent first team performer. Despite the obvious creativity and tenacity, Jones is yet to develop into the player Liverpool need in the engine room to help mount a title challenge, and the arrival of Federico Chiesa may hinder his selection hopes further.

The 23-year-old is back in training after injury ahead of the home game with Nottingham Forest on Saturday. You sense his first season under Slot could yet be his last one at the club unless Liverpool fans are treated to the very best version of one of their own, and if that materialises, then he will add threat to an already potent attacking force.