How Arne Slot Is Shaping Gravenberch and Gakpo into Key Players | OneFootball

Slot’s Dutch Revolution: How Gravenberch and Gakpo Are Thriving at Anfield

Nurturing Talent, Not Just Managing It

When Liverpool legend Sammy Lee speaks, the Anfield faithful tend to listen. His insights, shared on the latest episode of No Tippy Tappy Football, paint a picture of evolution, development and masterful man-management under Arne Slot. As Liverpool chase another Premier League crown, Lee highlighted how two players — Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo — have taken centre stage.

“[Arne Slot] has nurtured them. You see the evolution of the likes of Gravenberch, Gakpo… fantastic to see,” Lee explains. “They may have been better players anyway, the second season in, but they are blossoming and flourishing now. A lot of credit to the recruitment department because, recruitment is huge.”

Slot’s role cannot be understated. In less than a year, he has done more than steady the ship post-Klopp. He’s helped key players move from potential to prominence.

From Raw Promise to Refined Excellence

Gravenberch, who arrived for £34 million from Bayern Munich, has flourished. While his first season under Jürgen Klopp had moments of flair, it lacked sustained purpose. Slot has changed that. Gravenberch now looks composed, intelligent and assertive — a midfielder who glides rather than grinds.

Sammy Lee sums it up: “Gravenberch has been fantastic. Like a lot [of the Liverpool players], they have had a little bit of a dip of late. Maybe nerves have taken over because they are so close. But he has been fantastic.”

Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, has gone from useful contributor to clutch performer. With goals against Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen, he’s delivering on the biggest nights. He’s equalled his goal tally from last season — but in 10 fewer games.

Smart Business Behind Smart Football

Liverpool’s reported £70 million outlay for the Dutch duo now looks like shrewd business. Compare that with the sums spent elsewhere in the Premier League on less consistent performers — Enzo Fernandez, Antony, Mykhaylo Mudryk — and the difference in value and output becomes clear.

Lee was quick to praise the club’s eye for talent, adding: “A lot of credit to the recruitment department because, recruitment is huge.”

Even Gravenberch’s agent, José Fortes, couldn’t hide his belief in the midfielder’s rise, recently suggesting the Dutchman is “good enough for Real Madrid.” Fortes admits a move is “impossible” now — a testament to his client’s development and contentment at Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Culture, Continuity and Confidence

Part of Slot’s success stems from shared heritage and familiarity. He knew of Gakpo and Gravenberch from his Eredivisie days. That rapport, coupled with a clear playing philosophy and system that maximises their strengths, is proving transformative.

Slot hasn’t just inherited players — he’s reignited them.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For fans, seeing Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo evolve this way has been deeply satisfying. We always knew the talent was there, but under Arne Slot, they’re beginning to look like players you build a team around — not just squad depth or rotational options.

Gravenberch now looks like a £60m midfielder, not just the lad who couldn’t break into Bayern’s XI. The way he bursts through midfield and holds off challenges brings back flashes of peak Gini Wijnaldum with added elegance.

As for Gakpo, he’s becoming our big-game guy. Those goals against top-tier sides? That’s what Liverpool players are judged on. He might not start every week, but when it counts, he delivers — and that’s what makes him invaluable.

Slot’s fingerprints are all over their growth. Calm, composed, familiar yet fresh. This doesn’t feel like a coincidence. It feels like a plan — a project coming together. And for once, as fans, we don’t have to worry about post-Klopp regression. With Slot in charge and players like Gravenberch and Gakpo flourishing, the next era might be just as exciting.