"He has not improved as a player, but he knows Arne Slot" - Liverpool legend on Ryan Gravenberch after Manchester United draw

Liverpool legend John Barnes has claimed that Arne Slot's playing style has helped Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch emerge as a better player in the 2024-25 campaign. However, Barnes also revealed that he's not convinced that Gravenberch has improved individually as a player.

Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in September 2023, has emerged as a standout player for the Merseyside club this season. The Dutchman has played in defensive midfield for Liverpool, making 25 appearances across all competitions and providing two assists. Additionally, he has helped the Reds keep 13 clean sheets across competitions.

However, former English attacker John Barnes thinks that Ryan Gravenberch has performed well for the Reds because Arne Slot's playing style suits him more than Jurgen Klopp. He said (via Stadium Astro):

"It's because of the way the manager wants him to play. He has not improved as a player but he knows Arne Slot, he's Dutch and this style of football suits him more than under Jurgen (Klopp). Jurgen Klopp made a more dynamic type of football."

He added:

"Playing as a No. 6, I don't think he could have done this under Jurgen or at Bayern, but because Arne Slot has implemented a style to suit him in that position, as he's done with all the players. Yes, he's been one of our standout performers but I don't think he's necessarily improved as a player. It's just the environment around him and the way we now play suits him at that position."

The Reds played a 2-2 draw against Ruben Amorim's Manchester United on Sunday, January 5. Arne Slot's men are in first place in the Premier League with 46 points in 19 matches.

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Federico Chiesa's agent provides a major update on the future of Liverpool

Federico Chiesa's agent, Fali Ramadani has confirmed that the Italian attacker will remain at Liverpool in the January transfer window. During an interview with 365Scores, Ramadani affirmed that Chiesa is continuing to fight for his place at Anfield. He also denied the Italian attacker's links with Napoli.

Ramadani said:

"Napoli did not negotiate a contract with Chiesa from Liverpool in the winter period, and the club has no intention of dispensing with the player. The player is continuing with Liverpool and is seeking the opportunity to participate in the coming period. This is what I can confirm for now."

According to reports in Italy, Federico Chiesa was linked to at least six Seria A clubs, including Fiorentina, AC Milan, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Atalanta, and more. Chiesa joined the Reds from Seria A giants Juventus in August 2024 for a reported transfer fee of £12.5 million.

However, the Italian attacker has made only four appearances for the Reds since his arrival. Due to fitness issues and injuries, Chiesa has failed to shine at Anfield in the initial four months of his transfer.