Arne Slot confirms Liverpool superstar will start against Everton despite his early substitution in draw against Newcastle

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch will start the Reds' Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday, December 7. Gravenberch was substituted in the 67th minute during the Reds' 3-3 draw against Newcastle United on Wednesday, December 4.

The Dutchman's second-half substitution ignited concern among Liverpool supporters. However, ahead of the Merseyside derby, Arne Slot has confirmed Ryan Gravenberch will start for the Reds. The Dutch tactician said in a press conference (via ECHO):

"We don't take about referee decisions after the game with players, it's no use. Not here or with the players. When it comes to Gravenberch, I took him off because in every game he played so well and this, first half wasn't his best like the team, this was a game when I felt someone can do the same to rest him a bit."

Slot further added:

"He has played so many games already so we were 2-1 down at the moment. He will start tomorrow."

This season, Ryan Gravenberch made 19 appearances for the Reds across competition as a defensive midfielder, assisting one goal. Additionally, the Dutchman has also helped the side keep 11 clean sheets.

The 22-year-old is expected to be joined by Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai in the midfield against Sean Dyche's Everton.

Liverpool aim to sign 18-year-old star as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement: Reports

Liverpool are planning a move for FC Porto's right-back Martim Fernandes if Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves the club in the upcoming transfer windows, as per TBR Football. The Englishman's ongoing contract with the Merseyside club will expire in the summer of 2025 and is yet to sign a new deal. He has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The Reds see the 18-year-old right-back as Trent Alexander-Arnold's potential replacement at Anfield. However, to sign Martim Fernandes, the Reds would have to compete against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen.

The 18-year-old is an academy product of FC Porto. He has made 23 appearances for the senior team and recorded five assists across competitions. Martim Fernandes has also played seven matches for Portugal's under-19 team.