Revealed: How Arne Slot has ‘Altered’ the Fate of These Two Liverpool Stars | OneFootball

Arne Slot and the Altered Roles of Ryan Gravenberch & Wataru Endō

In the summer of 2023 when the reds were failing spectacularly in their efforts to sign either Moisés Caicedo, or Roméo Lavia, the immediate response by the Sporting Director at that moment, Jörg Schmadtke, was to sign the captain of Japan, Wataru Endō. In addition to that rather underwhelming signing, a young prodigy with huge potential, Ryan Gravenberch, was secured from Bayern Munich, bringing the total combined cost (of the pair) to approximately £54m.

The former of those two became a steady ball winning addition to the group, one that endeared himself to the fanbase with his continual running and efforts to add bite amongst the brilliance. The skillset and ability of the latter was slightly different, however, as the Ajax academy graduate struggled to add substance beyond the flashes of brilliance he displayed. After two years of footballing struggles (prior to his move to Merseyside), the Dutchman was once again displaying an apparent lack of desire to undertaken the hard work required to succeed.

Photo: IMAGO

To fail at Bayern Munich is no harsh criticism for any novice footballer, though that time period lacked superb competition (within Bayern) and it appeared that his talent would never be enough to thrive at an elite club. It was a gamble in signing both those players and it would be accurate to say that the elder of the two, Wataru, enjoyed a more fruitful season, whereas the young pretender seemed closer to the exit door than the first team elite.

That season ended with question marks over both players and an expectant support demanding a specialist defensive midfielder be signed. The appointment of the new Anfield Head Coach, Arne Slot, brought many new ideas and strategies to the illustrious club, as well as a complete change in fortune for both players mentioned above.

How Has Such a Drastic Impact Materialized?

After viewing the result of the most recent RB Salzburg match, their amazing 0-5 away loss to SK Sturm Graz, came just days after a 0-4 home loss to Brest in the initial stages of the Champions League. That amazing week of heavy defeats has perhaps created early pressure on their newly appointed manager, Pep Lijnders, who took the Austrian reins after leaving his Liverpool post in the summer.

The departure of the former assistant manager was part of Jürgen Klopp’s own decision to leave Merseyside, with the German resigning midway through last season. Concerning his former coaching assistant, Pep Lijnders, he always seemed intent on bringing his own methods to the fore and establish his own methods ahead of the German. Talk of street football and inverting of fullbacks were self-proclaimed tactics of the man who penned the infamous book, Intensity.

At some point in the final two years of his Anfield stay, the failed NEC manager became the primary coach who designed the training sessions and orchestrated the landscape away from the gegenpressing of old. That transition saw his manager become more overseer than conductor, something which evidently muddled and misaligned the team which was previously the world’s undisputed best.

And so…

Ultimately, I believe a change of leadership in the training ground tuition has increased the purpose and output of all assets, especially the 22-year-old, Ryan Gravenberch. The astonishing second season of the 6ft 3inch midfielder has thus far been astounding, as he continues to thrive in a more refined and calculated system of play. Whilst his performances have caught the imagination of all excited onlookers, the downturn in opportunities and favour has befallen his Japanese teammate, Wataru Endō, who lacks the required skillset to become a regulated starter.

Photo: IMAGO

Though the departure of a legendary former manager was a tough pill to swallow, the emergence of a brilliant tactical mind and progressive Head Coach is clearly that which was identified by the new CEO, Michael Edwards. Though many were surprised and even sceptical about his appointment, there is no doubting that the former Feyenoord manager has revitalized the group and may well lead the team to ultimate glory. The 14-cap Netherlands international, Ryan Gravenberch, was once the odd man looking in, whereas now he holds his starting shirt on merit and could turn out to be the perfect project player for his fellow countryman, Arne Slot.

Regarding the 31-year-old enforcer, Wataru Endō, the winter transfer window may finally see his eventual replacement arrive and see his own departure emerge.