‘It’s shocked me’ – Steve Nicol can’t believe what he’s now seeing from one Liverpool player | OneFootball

Steve Nicol has heaped lofty praise on Ryan Gravenberch, saying that the Liverpool midfielder has completely blown him away with his improvement and performances this season.

Six months ago, the Dutchman was effectively an afterthought in the Reds’ squad, and it didn’t seem like he’d be able to become a consistent starter at Anfield.

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However, since Arne Slot’s arrival on Merseyside, the former Ajax man is a footballer reborn and has become one of the first names on the team sheet for LFC.

Speaking on the ESPN FC YouTube channel, Nicol praised the 22-year-old. He gushed: “Talk about coming from absolutely nowhere… My goodness, what he’s produced – talk about putting somebody in the perfect position.

“He’s been sensational. The amount of times that he breaks up the play because of his starting position and his decision-making, when to step in and win the ball and when to sit back and wait, has really surprised me.

“It’s shocked me, to be honest. I was looking at Gravenberch as someone Slot would look to move on but in a very short space of time he has completely changed my opinion and, I’m sure, plenty of other opinions as well.”

Gravenberch’s resurgence is key to Liverpool’s success

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The ex-Liverpool defender is far from the first pundit to praise Gravenberch this season, and he definitely won’t be the last!

The Netherlands international started only 12 Premier League games last season under Jurgen Klopp, coming off the bench 14 times. He looked a shadow of his current self, unsure on the ball and lacking confidence out of possession.

However, Slot’s arrival seems to have changed everything. The 22-year-old is now playing the best football of his life and his presence has elevated the midfield, with the Reds currently atop the Premier League table.

Gravenberch himself credited the new boss for his improvement, adding that he kept his head down and was excited to prove himself this season.

When Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Anfield this summer, many thought we might struggle due to the absence of a world-class number 6. However, the former Bayern man has shocked everyone and we can only hope his form continues as the Merseysiders seek to challenge for major silverware this season.