Slot backs returning star to help leaky Liverpool defence | OneFootball

Arne Slot believes the return of Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch can help fix his side’s defensive issues.

Liverpool have looked uncharacteristically open across their pre-season campaign and opening fixtures of the new season. The Reds conceded twice in their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, and twice more in their 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday.

Liverpool were without defensive midfielder Gravenbech for both fixtures. The Dutchman missed the Palace clash to attend the birth of his child and was suspended for the opening fixture of the Premier League campaign.

The 22-year-old was a revelation after being reinvented in a deep-lying midfield role last season, ranking third in the Premier League for interceptions. Slot believes Gravenberch can make ‘a lot of difference’ to his team’s solidity.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Newcastle on Monday night, Slot said: “I think he can make a lot [of difference]. At least, if he is the same player he was as last season.

“If you look back at last season, for him not being there and us playing with very good players but very attack-minded players – that hurt us [against Bournemouth].

“If he brings his normal level that will help us.”

Liverpool have added to their defensive options with the signing of teenage centre-back Geovanni Leoni from Parma. Slot has been impressed by the defender’s initial performances in training.

“He has trained with us three times now, I think. If you look at his transfer fee, you would expect him to be quite grown up for his age and that is what I have seen.

“As an 18-year-old, he has played with his new team-mates like he has been here for longer. There is a reason why we paid the transfer fee because we see him as a bright prospect.

“It also tells you something about the team, if you come to this club, to this team, it is a very good and nice group to start your Liverpool career.”

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