Liverpool midfielder Ryan Grafenbrech. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Arne Slott praised Ryan Grafenbrech's performance in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Fulham.
The Reds came from behind twice to earn a point against the Cottagers, despite playing most of the game with ten men following Andy Robertson's 17th-minute red card.
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Even with one less player, Liverpool were able to attempt 16 shots to the tune of 2.26 xG, compared to 12 and 1.08 respectively for Fulham.
This was largely due to 61% ball control, with Gravenberch key to the effort.
The Dutch international gave another amazing performance at the base of Liverpool's midfield, completing 96% of his passes and touching the ball 80 times.
Gravenberch also won all three of his contested aerial duels and seven of 12 all-out duels, while making nine last third passes, eight recoveries, two interceptions and two tackles.
On both sides of the ball, Gravenberch helped Liverpool establish dominance against numerically superior opposition.
Slott did not need a second invitation to praise his compatriot.
Slot heaps praise for Ryan Gravenberch
Slote said of Gravenberch (trans Liverpool's official website).
“Ryan had a great performance again today. Without the ball, he was mostly in our last line, and he sometimes had to play against nine players, against wingers who are really quick. With the ball he got into midfield.
“Great performance from him. But if we just put the spotlight on him, I don't think I give enough credit to all the other players who played alongside him and around him. I couldn't ask for more.
“(We) controlled the game, had more possession with ten men, created more chances – whatever you want. Unfortunately for us, maybe the only chance they had with ten men resulted in a goal, and that happens sometimes as well.
Arne Slot shows frustration with Bernd Leno's antics
After Andy Robertson got the red card With Andreas Pereira only getting a yellow card for a tough tackle on Gravenberch, there was also a lot for Slott to be unhappy about on Saturday.
Another source of frustration was Fulham's time-wasting style, led by goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
In fact, Slott was seen counting how long the German had kept the ball when he collected it inside his own penalty area in the second half – making it to 10 before the camera panned away from him.
? | Arnie Slott's calculation of how long it took Leno to hold the ball in his hands was amazing!
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— Liverpool FC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) December 14, 2024
Of course, goalkeepers falling over the ball is a common part of the game, no matter how frustrating.
Slott Alisson would probably scold Caoimhin Kelleher if they didn't pull off such antics.
