Slot has easy Gravenberch decision to make for Liverpool v Newcastle
Arne Slot must look at starting Ryan Gravenberch against Newcastle if he wants Liverpool to earn three points against the Magpies on Wednesday.
The Dutchman has been one of the many success stories to have emerged from Anfield in the 2024/25 season as he’s made the defensive-midfield spot his own.
However, the recent form of Wataru Endo when brought on from the bench has been impressive with the Japan international often leaving fans impressed by his performances.
But, if Slot wants Liverpool to triumph and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table while also cementing their place at the top even further, he needs to continue starting Gravenberch.
Gravenberch is key to the way Liverpool play
Since Slot has taken over from Jurgen Klopp, he’s turned the German’s 4-3-3 formation into a defensively solid tactic thanks to dropping Gravenberch further back in the midfield three.
The former Bayern Munich man has been the link between the back four and the rest of the Reds’ midfield and Sunday’s performance against the Citizens was no different.
| Statistic | Liverpool | Manchester City |
| Shots | 8 | 16 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 4 |
| Possession | 67% | 33% |
| Passes | 659 | 332 |
As per Sofascore, in the 90 minutes the Dutchman played he had 44 touches of the ball and maintained a pass accuracy of 77 per cent.
While he failed to make any key passes out of the 30 he attempted, he did manage to complete 100 per cent of the dribbles he carried out.
Defensively, he was also more than solid as he won 100 per cent of the ground duels he carried out and only lost possession of the ball nine times.
He also made four clearances, blocked two shots and made one interception.
Alexander Isak is a major worry for Liverpool
Of all Newcastle’s players, Alexander Isak is the one that the Reds will have to watch out for.
The Sweden international has been in impeccable form this season and has bagged 21 goals across all competitions while also assisting his teammates five times.
Endo would normally be a more than solid option but due to the pace that Isak possesses compared to the Japan international, it feels like it would be a massive mismatch.
Which is why Slot can’t start anyone else other than Gravenberch for Liverpool on Wednesday evening, even if he is likely to be due a rest sometime soon.