Liverpool make approach to sign “generational” Gravenberch regen

Arne Slot has managed to come out the other side now of his disastrous run as Liverpool manager.

The Dutchman looked to be on very shaky ground in the Anfield dug-out when three car-crash league defeats happened on the spin back in November, with AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola even tentatively being linked to replace the Premier League-winning head coach.

Fast forward to the jam-packed end of the Year, however, and the 47-year-old is cutting a relieved figure as he remains as Liverpool manager, with a narrow 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday extending the Reds’ unbeaten streak in all competitions to six matches.

It was far from the most polished display, as Alexander Isak also worryingly hobbled off after handing the visitors the lead, with Slot no doubt ready for the January transfer window to open, to add some strength in depth to his ranks.

Liverpool make £52m bid for PL star

Isak could be out for a significant spell, now, after falling victim to a mistimed Micky Van De Ven lunge, but, thankfully, Slot has a red-hot Hugo Ekitike he can depend on in the forward areas.

Still, he could look to improve his attacking arsenal even more, with reports suggesting that initial enquiries have been lodged regarding Como playmaker Nico Paz, alongside interest still being there in both Antoine Semenyo and Michael Olise, as Liverpool prepares to break the bank again.

Away from those named, new reports from Spain, as relayed by CaughtOffside, also suggest that an approach has even been made by the reigning Premier League champions for Spurs youngster Lucas Bergvall, with a £53m offer placed on the table for the exciting Swede’s services.

It’s stated that this mammoth offer should, hopefully, be enough for Spurs to consider parting ways, as Liverpool gradually goes about a squad overhaul, even in the midfield ranks, where they are well stocked.

This has the same feel as when Liverpool dropped £34.2m on Ryan Gravenberch two summers ago, with the number 38 previously a much-talked-about youngster when plying his trade for both Ajax and Bayern Munich, before exploding into life even more under Slot’s wing on Merseyside.

Bergvall will hope, if a move comes to fruition, that Slot can do the same for him, after some promising performances here and there in North London…

How Bergvall can be Slot’s next Gravenberch

It could be argued, despite there being many bumps in the road at Anfield this season to date, that Gravenberch has been one of Slot’s most consistent top performers, having only missed two Premier League games all campaign long.

Indeed, with five goal contributions already next to his name in league action, alongside an unerring pass accuracy of 90%, and a strong 4.7 duels won on average, it’s hard to really pick out many flaws in the 23-year-old’s overall game, as the slick midfielder finally lives up to his billing now of being an “exceptional talent” once handed to him by his ex-boss in Jurgen Klopp.

Advertisement

Unfortunately, under the German, Gravenberch would only make 12 Premier League starts during his debut season. But that is history, now, with former Reds midfield great Steve McManaman hailing him as a “vital” part of Slot’s take on Liverpool, when powering home a goal against Aston Villa.

Bergvall has often had to make do with a background role at Spurs, too, despite his clear promise, seeing him be dubbed as a “generational talent” by Spurs head of scouting, Rob Mackenzie. Could he reach the same frightening levels Gravenberch has managed to get to, under Slot’s expert guidance?

Based on his Premier League numbers to date, there looks to be another Gravenberch-type star ready to come to the forefront at Anfield if a move whirs into motion, with the Scandinavian often a classy and composed performer from deep – much like his ex-Ajax counterpart – with an 89% pass accuracy averaged last season from only 11 league starts.

Moreover, he further has the varied ability to play in a number ten role if needed, with a similar eye for a goal and assist also present, with ten of his 27 career goal contributions falling at Spurs, which included Bergvall hammering home this effort against Liverpool last season in the EFL Cup to open his account in England.

Eyebrows will likely be raised among Liverpool supporters, considering Bergvall only has 40 Premier League matches under his belt, yet he will cost a steep £53m.

But Slot has visibly worked his magic on Gravenberch recently, and with the Stockholm-born starlet noted as going from “strength to strength” by Thomas Frank, this investment could see the resurgent Reds pick up the Dutchman’s second coming of the midfield ace.

Related

Liverpool must drop £150k-p/w dud who’s a bigger concern than Isak

Liverpool laboured to a narrow win over nine-man Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Advertisement