Arne Slot praises Liverpool superstar for his 'outstanding performance' in unnatural position in 2-2 Fulham draw

Liverpool manager Arne Slotpraised midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for his performance as a makeshift centre-back in his side's 2-2 draw against Fulham on Saturday. The Dutchman was drafted to cover at centre-back after Andy Robertson received his marching orders in the 17th minute.

Premier League leaders Liverpool dropped points in front of their fans against a stubborn Fulham side. The visitors were intent on handing them only their second league defeat this season. The Reds had to navigate around 80 minutes of game time with 10 men following a red card to Robertson, forcing Slot into a tactical adjustment.

The former Feyenoord manager dropped Ryan Gravenberch into centre-half to partner captain Virgil Van Dijk while Joe Gomez shifted to left-back. After the game, Slot was asked for his thoughts on the performance of Gravenberch, and he expressed his satisfaction at his display. He said via TBR Football:

“Impressed, like everyone who was in the stadium or saw the game. Ryan did outstanding again today. Without the ball, he was mostly in our last line, had to play sometimes against a nine, against wingers who are really fast. And with the ball, he came into the midfield. An outstanding performance from him.”

Liverpool had to come from behind twice to avoid falling to a defeat at the hands of the Cottagers in front of their fans. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota canceled out efforts from Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz for the visitors in what was a thoroughly enjoyable match.

The Reds remain top of the league with a five-point lead over second-placed Chelsea, who play Brentford on Sunday, December 15. Slot's side will be without Robertson for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton on Wednesday after his one-match suspension following his sending-off.

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Mohamed Salah misses out on Liverpool history in Fulham draw

Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah missed an opportunity to make history at the club in their 2-2 draw against Fulham. The Egyptian forward failed to find the back of the net as they were held to a draw on home soil.

Salah failed in his bid to emulate Daniel Sturridge as the only Liverpool player to score in eight successive Premier League games in the club's history. The 32-year-old managed, however, to provide the assist for Gakpo's goal with an inch-perfect cross.

Mohamed Salah has now provided 100 assists for the Reds since joining from AS Roma in 2017. The forward has 13 goals and nine assists in 15 league appearances for the side this season.