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Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch have been among Liverpool's best players this season(Image: PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images)

Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch have been told that Jurgen Klopp lacked faith in them - with Arne Slot's arrival rejuvenating their form this season.

In what was Gravenberch's first season at Anfield, the midfielder started just 12 league games and played a bit-part role for much of the campaign.

In case of Gakpo, the forward enjoyed a productive season with 16 goals across all competitions, but failed to gather momentum due to being played in numerous positions, including in midfield at the beginning of the season.

However, the pair's transformation this season - with Gravenberch starting every league game thus far and Gakpo already equalling last season's tally of 16 goals - is down to Slot's unwavering faith in his compatriot, says the former Australia international.

Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast, hosted by Arsenal icon David Seaman, Schwarzer praised Liverpool's squad depth this season and claimed if Klopp remained in charge this season, the Reds wouldn't be at the summit of the Premier League.

Arne Slot's arrival has transformed Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I think Liverpool's bench has worked incredibly well.

Whoever it's been, whatever the rotation has been, whenever he's called upon his bench – OK, take the FA Cup game against Plymouth out of the equation – but every other game his bench has been incredible.

"And as much as I was a massive fan of Jurgen Klopp, I don't think Liverpool would be there where they are right now if Jurgen Klopp was in charge.

Now I've got to prove myself once again and I've got to earn my spot again.'"

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Schwarzer doubted whether the Netherlands duo would be showing the same form they are now if Klopp remained at the helm.

"I've been really impressed with the way that the players have improved individual, and the way that the manager has dealt with the pressure of coming in at Liverpool and taking over someone as huge as Jurgen Klopp, and didn't bring one single player into the club.

"Would Gravenberch be playing in midfield right now had Klopp still been there?

Would Cody Gakpo have been as effective?

I don't think so, just based on the evidence of the previous seasons because Jurgen Klopp didn't seem to have as much belief and faith in them as Arne Slot has."


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