Arne Slot’s impact on Ryan Gravenberch is even BETTER than you think

Arne Slot has had a massive impact on Ryan Gravenberch – everyone can see that. But it’s likely a larger impact than you realise.

The hype around Ryan Gravenberch is massive right now and fully deserved. The Dutchman has been remarkable to kick off the campaign, running Liverpool’s midfield in a way few thought he could.

In fact, just about no one thought he could – hence the Martin Zubimendi pursuit in the summer.

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Arne Slot, however, was willing to take a chance on his compatriot and thrust him into the ‘no.6′ role for this season. It’s one Gravenberch has taken to brilliantly and the impact of Slot on the Reds’ no.38 has been incredible to see.

So incredible that it’s bigger than most people will realise. You have to jump into the data to see the overall effect.

The Dutch ESPN have pointed it out very nicely, showing off some of Gravenberch’s best stats in relation to the Premier League. For instance, the 22-year-old sits third in the Premier League for ‘carries’ (dribbles of at least five metres).

But yes, that one is quite boring. More notable is that Gravenberch actually leads the Premier League in ‘pass chains’. This notes when a player is involved in a string of successful passes for his team, basically showing who’s good at keeping his team in consistent possession.

Notably, he leads other players of his type – Mateo Kovacic, Bruno Guimaraes, Youri Tielemans – and by some way. The leap from second to third (307 to 333 pass-chains) is greater than any other jump by far.

But what really shows off the improvement is in dispossessions. Gravenberch has always been a midfielder who lost the ball in some way, usually around 15 times per game. Now, maybe this was with a misplaced pass, or maybe it was by being tackled.

Either way, he’s steadily improved year on year, from 16.1 losses in his first Ajax campaign down to 13.7 in his debut Liverpool season. This year? 9.4. That’s a bigger improvement from one season to the next than in the rest of his career combined.

Arne Slot works his magic

Slot has turned Gravenberch from a midfielder who was a mix of brilliance and frustration into one who offers incredible consistency. He keeps the ball wonderfully and makes sure Liverpool are ticking over. And he does that as well – arguably better – than any other player in the Premier League.

His improvement has been recognised, of course, with award nominations. But as we’ve argued before, the truly exciting thing here is that Gravenberch is still only 22 and Slot has only been working with him for a few months.

Just how much can he improve by the end of the campaign? What about in the next four years?

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Thomas Clark

I’m Thomas Clark, from the ever-sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. At 47, my life’s not your usual nine-to-five grind; I’m the voice behind the screen at FC Soccer News. My days are a mix of passion and professionalism as I weave words for the love of the game. University of Arizona’s where I honed my skills, but the real education came from the hours spent in local cafes, my eyes glued to my laptop, and my mind playing the field.

Soccer’s not just my beat—it’s the rhythm to my life. I analyze plays with a tactical mind and share insights that cut through the noise. Outside work, my appetite for adventure is as strong as a striker’s kick. The chef in me loves experimenting in the kitchen, and when the hiking trails call my name, I answer with boots laced tight. I’ve got music in my bones, and you’ll often find me lost in the melodies of a well-strummed guitar.

Away from the adrenaline of sports and the hum of daily life, my world orbits around my family. Dinner tables are our huddles, where laughter and stories bounce around like a well-played ball. Weekends are sacred—reserved for family bike rides and movie marathons, where I pass down my love for classics to my two bright kids. Parenthood’s more rewarding than any byline, and it’s taught me the true value of teamwork. My wife is my rock, my steady defender, offering unwavering support through every deadline and draft. Together, we’ve built a life that’s as dynamic as the games I cover—a blend of commitment, joy, and the unending chase of a story worth telling.