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Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as one of Liverpool’s most transformative players this season, thriving under Arne Slot’s management after a lukewarm debut season.

After making just 26 Premier League appearances last season with only 12 starts and 1,121 total minutes under Jurgen Klopp, the Dutchman has started all 29 league matches this campaign, accumulating 2,479 minutes by early March.

This represents more than double his playing time from the entire previous season, highlighting his evolution from squad player to indispensable starter.

Slot has deployed his compatriot primarily as a defensive midfielder, a role that has unlocked new dimensions in Gravenberch’s game.

While Gravenberch has become the heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield, the physical demands have taken their toll in recent months.

The former Ajax and Bayern Munich midfielder has played the third-most minutes (3,516) of anyone in Slot’s squad this season, behind only Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

This relentless schedule appears to have affected his performance level since the turn of the year.

The strain became particularly evident in the weeks before the international break, when Gravenberch started nine consecutive matches across all competitions, logging 762 minutes in just 32 days.

This intense period included physically demanding fixtures against Manchester City, Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain (twice) and Newcastle United (twice) – a schedule that would test even the most resilient player’s endurance.

But according to the man himself, part of why he has been more effective in the Liverpool shirt is his recovery and effort away from the training pitches and matchdays.

Speaking to the matchday programme ahead of Everton, Gravenberch revealed that he has been taking his diet and recovery more seriously compared to last year:

“Obviously, last year was a big adjustment for me, transferring clubs and settling into a new country.

It takes time,” the Dutchman said of his debut campaign.

“This season, I’m playing more, I’m feeling more confident and physically, I’m in better shape.”

“And, to be honest, I believe that I’ve been taking better care of myself in terms of recovery and diet too.”

Adding on the impact of Arne Slot, Gravenberch revealed that he gets on well with his manager:

“I get on really well with him.

Plus, I love his style of play, building from the back – that’s how I was brought up.”

Liverpool fans received welcome news when Gravenberch withdrew from the Netherlands squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Spain.

Though initially concerning, multiple reports confirmed the withdrawal was merely a precaution, and he should be nicely rested for the Merseyside derby.

Read More: David Moyes hints at return of 3 Everton stars for Merseyside derby

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