NewsRyan Gravenberch on midfield role and targets: 'It's going well - but I can improve'
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has his sights firmly set on building on a strong start to life under Arne Slot.
The No.38 has proved vital for his head coach this season, starting every game for the Reds so far in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Gravenberch has flourished in a deeper position as a permanent No.6 in Slot’s system and again played an important role in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Southampton in the top flight, notching an assist for Mohamed Salah’s equaliser.
Liverpool now face a busy week of action as they host Real Madrid on Wednesday night in Europe, before the visit of Manchester City in the league on Sunday afternoon.
Gravenberch is determined to maintain and enhance his own contributions, after a conversation with his new boss in pre-season paved the way for his performances in recent months.
“When you come to Liverpool you always want to be a first XI, starting player,” he told Men in Blazers.
“That was my aim this season. When he told me he sees me like a No.6, I’ve played there in that position before, so I knew what I had to do and what I had to improve. I’m happy I get the minutes now.
“I’ve played the position before and of course you have to adapt a little bit to the position, but I think it goes really well. I still keep improving and want to do better. I think it’s going really well, but I can also do better.”
Gravenberch claimed the club’s September Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month award, while his overall form has earned him praise from supporters and the media alike amid an impressive start to the season.
He recently admitted he had even surprised himself with how quickly he had adapted to his change in role, though knows improvements can still be made.
“My defensive things I can do better,” he said. “I always think [keeping] 100 per cent concentrated and also in possession maybe I can play more balls behind the defence and can maybe score as well or give an assist. I think that’s where I can improve.
“I see myself as a No.6 because I played there and have to focus especially on this position this season. But so far, I am happy with it. It’s going well.
“Last season I played more than the season before and that was my aim, and this season it was the aim to play and become a starting XI player. I’m just happy I’m on the pitch again and [can] show my quality.”
Liverpool opened up an eight-point advantage last weekend at the top of the Premier League standings, while they remain unbeaten and lead the league phase of the Champions League ahead of the midweek fixtures.
On whether he believes the team is good enough to win trophies, Gravenberch continued: “Yes, for sure. For me, you have to dream big. For example, in my life I want to win the Premier League for sure one time - we just want to if we can. You have to dream big, and you want to win everything. We will see.”
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