Arne Slot explains Liverpool plans for Ryan Gravenberch amid Zubimendi snub

As one door closes, another one opens. This could very well be the case at Liverpool for Ryan Gravenberch following Martin Zubimendi's transfer decision.

With the Spaniard rejecting a move to Anfield and the Reds potentially not targeting an alternative before the summer transfer window closes, new head coach Arne Slot will have to make use of the midfield options already at his disposal.

Wataru Endo is the most natural pick for the number six role given he is more defensive-minded, as is youngster Stefan Bajcetic but there's talk of him being loaned out for the season.

Another candidate is Gravenberch. This may come as a surprise given the Dutchman has been used in more advanced areas since arriving from Bayern Munich last summer but he did give a very good account of himself in that deeper midfield role against Sevilla at the weekend.

Now, in an interview with Viaplay, Slot was asked about his reputation of improving players and if Gravenberch was an interesting project for him.

"Yeah, but it’s not just him; there are all the other guys too," was the Dutchman's response. "I get that you mainly want to focus on the Dutch players. You say I’m known for that? Yeah, because I’m like the face of the club.

"But luckily, I’ve had success with both. Feyenoord has a really great staff around me, and they've been super busy today going over individual footage with the players.

"I think the performance staff at Feyenoord is really good, and they’re doing an excellent job here too.

It’s all about that teamwork that helps the guys improve. When the team plays well, it makes the individual performances look better too. I really believe in that—that when the team does well, it helps each player shine.

"Are people gonna prefer Quinten Timber or Ryan Gravenberch? There's a lot of energy for me in that question. My coaching staff is also really focused on helping each of them improve individually.

"But Ryan has a few areas in his game where he can definitely improve, and he needs to. I hope I can help him with that."

Given Gravenberch is more of an attack-minded midfielder, perhaps Slot's plan to work on the 22-year-old's defensive side in the wake of missing out on a deal for Zubimendi.