Liverpool trio lauded for performance under Arne Slot as Ryan Gravenberch recognized again
Former Premier League star Troy Deeney has lauded Liverpool trio Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch for their performances in the Reds' win over Crystal Palace.
The Merseysiders picked up three points on a tricky trip down to Selhurst Park, with a Diogo Jota strike enough to separate the two sides. Coming away with a crucial 1-0 victory in a bear pit atmosphere in South London, the result meant that the visitors headed into the international break at the top of the table.
A sixth victory from seven in the league, Liverpool has also won nine games from 10 under Slot - the best record for any new head coach in the club's history. Now, former Watford striker Deeney has named three of the Dutchman's players in his Team of the Week for BBC Sport following their performances against Palace.
Liverpool 'could face FFP repercussions' as Man City secures legal victory over Premier League Gary Neville claims Liverpool players 'needed' Arne Slot change after Jurgen Klopp era
Naming Alexander-Arnold at right-back, the ex-Premier League stalwart felt that the England star's showing was emblematic of the defensive solidity under Slot so far. He said: "Another clean sheet for Liverpool. I don't think that is being spoken about enough.
"Some of the passes he played in the win at Crystal Palace with the outside of his foot were easy on the eye, like the one he played to Mohamed Salah to set him away. He just looks more comfortable and more confident.
As for Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, Deeney was also suitably impressed as he spoke in glowing terms about the center-back's continued brilliance at the heart of the team's back four. Including him in his Best XI for the weekend, he said: "Monster. Powerhouse. He never looks worried or concerned.
"The complaints about a penalty were daft, it was really good defending. The player was never getting there and Van Dijk just made sure. It was another captain-like performance from the big centre-half, who Liverpool need to tie down to a new contract as soon as possible."
As for midfielder Gravenberch, Deeney was effusive in terms of his praise, as the former Bayern Munich and Ajax man put in another composed performance as he also made his team. The retired ex-striker said: "He was excellent. He is growing into that holding midfielder that we all thought Liverpool needed.
"Liverpool thought they needed it when they tried to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer, but Gravenberch looks like a powerhouse and is getting better and better with each game."
As for head coach Slot, he was left delighted with the result against Palace but spoke with humility after what has been a historically significant start to his tenure. He said: "It's definitely [very satisfying]. And it's actually quite special when you know how many great managers Liverpool have had.
"But I also said last week that I hope they don't just remember me for that in one, two, three, four, five years. We hope to be able to do even more special things. And it also speaks to how lucky I was that I inherited a very good team and very good personnel to continue to achieve the results that Jürgen [Klopp] has achieved here too."