SLOT PAYS TRIBUTE TO REDS' PIVOTS

Dutchman praises No. 6s like Gravenberch for supplying the ball to Liverpool's front 3

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LIVERPOOL - Liverpool may have scored more goals than any other team in the English Premier League this season, but manager Arne Slot has highlighted the importance of deep-lying midfielders to his system and praised the development of Ryan Gravenberch.

The free-scoring Reds have netted 50 times in 21 league matches, with attacker Mohamed Salah hogging the spotlight with 21 goals and 17 assists in all competitions this term.

Slot, however, had been keen to strengthen his midfield in the summer with a deal for Real Sociedad pivot Martin Zubimendi seemingly done, before the Spain midfielder pulled out of the move at the last minute, pledging his love for his boyhood club.

He might be having second thoughts about that decision, with widespread reports that he has virtually agreed a move to Arsenal at the end of the season.

Not that Slot is too bothered by that, particularly with the form and evolution of Dutch compatriot Gravenberch as a key cog in his midfield.