Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has impressed so far this season(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has discovered a new Liverpool undroppable this season

Someone that has stood out during Arne Slot's short time at Liverpool is Ryan Gravenberch, who has impressed during their first three Premier League matches

by · Liverpool Echo

Arne Slot has discovered a new Liverpool undroppable this season

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Arne Slot has enjoyed a perfect start to life as Liverpool head coach. The Dutchman, who replaced Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer, has won his first three matches in charge.

The Reds started the season with a 2-0 win over newly-promoted Ipswich. They followed that up with a 2-0 success against Brentford before a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Manchester United. It means Liverpool sit second in the Premier League behind Manchester City, having not conceded a single goal to date.

During his time at Anfield, there has been some standout performers. Mohamed Salah has begun the season in fine fettle, scoring three times and adding three assists. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have both been excellent, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Alisson have helped provide a stern defensive base at the back.

Another that has impressed under Slot is Ryan Gravenberch. The 22-year-old, who found himself in and out of the Liverpool XI last season, has become a vital member of the team since Slot replaced Klopp. Gravenberch has started the campaign as the No.6, with Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai as the more advanced midfielders.

Liverpool wanted to sign a new defensive midfielder through the summer transfer window, with Martin Zubimendi emerging as their priority target in that position. However, the Reds were unable to get a deal over the line and have had to stick with the options available to them. Slot has decided that Gravenberch is the best to fill that defensive midfield role and he has flourished.

No one in the Liverpool squad has won more duels than Gravenberch this season, with the former Ajax midfielder totalling up 17. He has also won the most tackles (8) and interceptions (7) for the Reds. Alongside this, only Van Dijk has accumulated more passes for the club across the campaign.

Gravenberch also excelled for Netherlands during the international break. He produced a sublime performance against Germany, grabbing an assist in a 2-2 draw. Earlier this week, ex-Tottenham midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart described him as "fantastic" and hailed Slot for getting the best out of him.

Although it has only been a couple of matches, Gravenberch could be described as 'undroppable' due to his impact and performances so far this season. It can be argued that no one else in the Liverpool squad can do his role as well as him. Wataru Endo impressed last season but he doesn't have the technical asset that Gravenberch has, with Slot adopting a more possession-based system compared to Klopp.

It means the deepest midfielder is required to be more comfortable in possession and control the game instead of being better without the ball. Yes, it does help that Gravenberch has been excellent at both of them but more integral to his role is his ability when he has the ball and Liverpool want to build from the back. The Reds can't afford to be without him at the moment, there is no doubt about that.

Liverpool are back in action when they host Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Reds then travel to AC Milan in the Champions League before hosting Bournemouth next weekend.

If Gravenberch keeps performing as he has done, he can expect to start all of those games.

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