"There is no question, it has been all up so far" - Steve Nicol pleasantly surprised by Liverpool star's performances this season

ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has heaped praise on Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch for his performances so far this season. He admitted that he was surprised to see the Dutch midfielder thriving under Arne Slot.

The Merseysiders have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024-25 campaign under their new manager. Slot's men have secured three victories in their first three games, including a dominant 3-0 win over Manchester United before the international break.

Gravenberch has played every single minute of his side's Premier League action so far and has received plaudits from fans and pundits alike. The 22-year-old midfielder has shined after moving into a double pivot role alongside Alexis Mac Allister.

Nicol is astonished by the Netherlands international's recent form. He said that Gravenberch was rather subpar for the Reds last season when he was deployed in a more attacking role.

The ESPN pundit said (as quoted by HITC):

“100% [he has surprised me]. I don’t know where the ups were [last season]. Saying there were ups and downs. There were just downs. The position that he was playing was more of an attacking position and he didn’t produce anything. The fact that he is in a completely different position, a) was a surprise when he stepped on the field."

During the international break, Gravenberch put on some impressive performances for the Netherlands as well, earning the admiration of Virgil van Dijk and Nicol.

“But, there is no question, it has been all up so far. It has been a huge surprise the way he has played this season. Not just for Liverpool, but for Holland," Nicol added.

The Reds will next face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, September 14.

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"Now I have to watch more" - Pep Guardiola makes honest admission about Arne Slot's Liverpool

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he needs to watch more footage of Liverpool to understand Arne Slot's playing style.

Liverpool and Manchester City have gone toe-to-toe in multiple iconic Premier League title races when Jurgen Klopp was in charge. The Cityzens have now seen two title races against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal as well and Guardiola has his fair share of experience with these two managers.

However, now that Klopp is no longer at the helm at Anfield, Guardiola has emphasized the need to analyze the Reds' playing style under Slot. He said (via This is Anfield):

“When I play a new club in the Champions League that I don’t know, I see much more than playing against Arsenal, for example. Of course, I want to watch Arsenal a lot, but Mikel has been there four or five years."

“And before with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. Now I have to watch more Liverpool because of Arne. I don’t know exactly what they do. But with Jurgen, we knew each other better."

The first meeting between the Reds and Manchester City this season will take place at Anfield on December 1.