"Revelation of the season", "Getting better and more decisive every week" - Ruud Gullit praises Liverpool duo for performances under Slot

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has commended Liverpool duo Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo for their stellar performances in Arne Slot's debut campaign at Anfield. The 62-year-old labeled the midfield enforcer as the 'revelation of the season', and praised the winger for becoming 'more decisive' every week.

Gravenberch and Gakpo graduated from the academies of top Eredivisie sides Ajax and PSV, respectively. The former had a season-long stint at Bayern Munich (2022-23) before joining Liverpool (for a reported £34 million), while the latter moved directly from his boyhood side to Anfield in the summer of 2023 (for a reported £37 million plus add-ons).

The duo have been in terrific form in the 2024-25 campaign, playing a vital role in helping the Reds to the top of the Premier League and Champions League standings (as of the date of publication of this article, December 5). Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Gullit praised the high-flying Dutch duo.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder said (via Tribal Football):

"Ryan Gravenberch is the revelation of the season. He is fulfilling his promise as a top talent from the Ajax academy. Bayern Munich came too quickly and were too ambitious, just like for striker Joshua Zirkzee (now at Manchester United).

"After a period of adjustment in Liverpool, Gravenberch's qualities are fully appreciated under (Arne) Slot. He can become the most important man for the Dutch national team."

"Gakpo is often decisive for the Dutch national team with his goals. In Liverpool, you can see that he is getting better and more decisive every week. In the beginning it was up and down. Started and then was a reserve again, but Slot is increasingly positioning his team in such a way that he can make room for Gakpo in the starting eleven," Gullit concluded.

Gravenberch has made the midfield his own in his 19 appearances across all competitions this season (one assist). Gakpo, meanwhile, has racked up eight goals and two assists in 21 games.

Star Liverpool duo nominated for November's Premier League POTM award

Liverpool's superstar forward Mohamed Salah and midfield powerhouse Ryan Gravenberch have been nominated for November's Premier League Player of the Month award.

Last month, the Reds enjoyed a perfect record in the league. They got the better of two Champions League qualification contending sides - Brighton & Hove Albion (2-1) and Aston Villa (2-0) - and a straggling Southampton side (3-2).

Gravenberch and Salah played a crucial role in helping Arne Slot's side maintain their lead in the league. The former assisted the latter's equalizer against the Saints, with the latter going on to score three more times and add an assist.

Other nominees for the award include Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and forwards Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Yoane Wissa.

Up next, Gravenberch and Salah will be in action for Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby against Everton on December 7.