Thiago Alcantara sends message to Arne Slot over Ryan Gravenberch after Nottingham Forest
Thiago Alcantara has high praise for his ex-Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch, who's been impressing as a number six under Arne Slot. Thiago, who made an emotional return to Anfield since his departure last season, witnessed Liverpool's unexpected 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Despite the Reds' perfect start coming to a halt, Gravenberch shone in his defensive midfield role, offering a silver lining for Liverpool fans. Thiago is confident that the Dutchman possesses the smarts to continue evolving in his position at the club.
"All great players, they have to get experience, they have to adapt to different circumstances that they have in a game," Thiago observed. "He is doing that and getting better in that position."
READ MORE: Arne Slot and Danny Murphy disagree on reason for Liverpool loss vs Nottingham Forest
READ MORE: I saw Arne Slot's experiment vs Nottingham Forest fail before my eyes and he should know better
The Spaniard also noted Gravenberch's smooth transitions through midfield, admiring how he's embracing and adapting to the demands of being a number six.
"He is an intelligent kid so he will adapt fast to the moments in the game and anything the coach says. He has done that."
Thiago didn't just stop at Gravenberch; he lauded Liverpool's midfield trio, including Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, suggesting that quality company elevates a player's game.
After a series of injury setbacks limited his appearances, Thiago hung up his boots shortly after leaving Liverpool, with his last match dating back to April 2023.
Thiago also reflected on his summer, where he offered a helping hand to the coaching staff at the Catalonian club. Speaking about this decision, he told LFC TV: "I had the chance to get into football again, helping the coaching staff of Barcelona."
"I decided for the practical part, not for the theory just because of the experience I had doing all these years in football and the kind of role I had in the team. I just want to pass it through to other players. I love to help new players as well, young players to develop under the coach. It was pretty good spirits."
The midfield maestro also shared with the LFC TV audience his joy at visiting Anfield recently, fulfilling one of his longstanding aspirations.
"It's always been a goal to be at this stadium not just as a player but also as a fan," Thiago revealed. "I had the fortune life gave me the chance to be here for four years as a football player."
Reflecting on his time there, he expressed, "I believe it was one of the best times of my life as well. Now I have the chance any time being such a warm welcome from the fans, and the players as well. It's a pretty good time to be here."