"His potential is now fully revealed" - Pundit lauds Arne Slot for bringing out Liverpool star's full potential after national team performance

Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart heaped praise on Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch's performance against Germany on Tuesday, September 10. Oranje played out a 2-2 draw against Die Mannschaft at the Johan Cruyff Arena in their UEFA Nations League clash.

Tijjani Reijnders gave the hosts the lead in the second minute before Deniz Undav equalized for Germany in the 38th minute. Joshua Kimmich then gave his side the lead in the first-half stoppage time. Denzel Dumfries equalized for the Netherlands in the 50th minute as the two sides shared the points.

One standout performer from the game for the Dutch was Ryan Gravenberch. The midfielder made one assist, completed 37/41 passes, created two big chances, completed 2/3 dribble attempts, and won 6/12 duels.

Rafael van der Vaart heaped praise on Gravenberch and credited Liverpool manager Arne Slot for the midfielder's upturn in form. He said (via Metro):

"I think we have a great midfielder. Arne Slot has brought him back to his full potential at Liverpool, and his potential is now fully revealed.

"Today I thought he was the very, very, very best, certainly in the first hour."

The Reds signed Gravenberch from Bayern Munich last summer for a reported fee of €40 million. He registered four goals and two assists in 38 games across competitions in his first season at the club but was inconsistent. However, he has been excellent in the first three games of this season under Arne Slot.

---

A look at Liverpool's start to the season under Arne Slot

The Reds finished third in the Premier League last season, nine points behind Manchester City and seven behind Arsenal. They won the EFL Cup but were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of both the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup. They then parted ways with Jurgen Klopp and his staff after his nine-year stint.

Hence, Liverpool had major rebuilding to do this summer and they announced Arne Slot as the new manager. They signed just two senior players this summer - Giorgio Mamardashvili, who'll arrive next summer, and Federico Chiesa. However, their start to the season has been perfect.

Liverpool beat newly promoted side Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road in their opening game before beating Brentford 2-0 at Anfield. They then took on rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford and comfortably beat them 3-0. They are the only team in the Premier League yet to concede a goal.

The Reds will next take on Nottingham Forest, who are unbeaten in the league so far with one win and two draws, at Anfield on September 14.