Arne Slot insists Liverpool have “moved on” from Martin Zubimendi, however claimed there would have been room in his squad for each him and Ryan Gravenberch.
There have been whispers earlier within the week of a renewed bid for Zubimendi in January, with a declare by way of a parody Twitter account gaining traction over the Actual Sociedad midfielder’s ‘remorse’.
After all, these rumours had been false, although having been picked up by nearly all of the English press it revived hopes amongst followers.
However with Gravenberch having excelled in his place to this point this season – as arguably Liverpool’s greatest participant to this point – Slot insists they’ve “moved on” after Zubimendi’s rejection.
“There is no such thing as a level speaking about Zubimendi anymore as a result of he stayed with Actual Sociedad and we’ve moved on and we’re actually proud of Ryan,” he informed journalists together with the Instances‘ Paul Joyce.
“You see a Ryan who is filled with confidence and that comes usually with good performances and trusting your team-mates and understanding that you are able to do what you need to at that degree.”
Slot did, nonetheless, insist each gamers would have fitted into his setup: “For those who’ve seen it isn’t that a lot of 1 holding midfielder, it is a little more two.
“And a type of two could be a bit extra attacking and I believe the participant you talked about may have fitted in in a type of two roles and Ryan can slot in each roles like Curtis can, Mac Allister can and Wataru can.”
Such is the extent of efficiency from Gravenberch that Liverpool arguably now not want a top-level recruit within the No. 6 position.
Whereas one other addition to his midfield may be anticipated inside the subsequent 12 months, significantly with doubts over Wataru Endo, Slot’s compatriot appears to be like more likely to retain the first-choice spot.
“I wouldn’t say I’m stunned as a result of he’s Dutch, I’m Dutch, so I noticed him enjoying at Ajax when he got here up into the primary crew,” the top coach stated of Gravenberch’s rise.
“All people noticed again then what a particular expertise he was and possibly for that motive he went to 2 wonderful golf equipment, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
“You possibly can solely go to those golf equipment in the event that they see you might have a number of high quality.
“Then it’s as much as us to verify we get the very best out of him and that’s not solely all the way down to what we, as a coaching employees, do but in addition he’s a very powerful for that.”