Gravenberch targeted by rivals to stop Reds' intent, insists Slot

ARNE

- By IAN DOYLE

Ryan Gravenberch in action against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday

(CATHERINE IVILL/AMA/GETTY IMAGES)

Slot believes Ryan Gravenberch is being targeted by opponents intent on stopping Liverpool's attacking game as he admitted their recent revival has been hampered by the absence of Florian Wirtz.Gravenberch was substituted at halftime for the first time in the Premier League under Slot after a poor performance in the 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Tuesday evening.

It followed a below-par display in the most recent previous away outing at Nottingham Forest, although the midfielder did provide an assist for Hugo Ekitike in the home 5-2 win over West Ham United last weekend.

Having been one of the Premier League players of the season in helping the Reds to a record-equalling 20th title last year, Gravenberch has found matters more testing this term in his defensive midfield role.

And Slot accepts the 23-year-old is having to adapt to rival teams deliberately making life difficult for him in the engine room.