He’s Way Better Than Vinícius Jr, But Poor Management Has Stalled His Growth – Pep Guardiola Blames Arne Slot for Holding Back Liverpool’s Hidden Gem

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again stirred up the football world with a bold assertion, claiming that Liverpool possesses a player more skilled than Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. However, Guardiola believes that this player has not reached his full potential due to poor management under Arne Slot. “He’s far superior to Vinícius Jr., and the reason he hasn’t developed fully is due to bad management. Arne Slot did a horrible job overseeing him. Had he given him more playing time, it would have benefited the team,” Guardiola stated after observing the player’s standout performance against Tottenham Hotspur.

Although Guardiola did not directly name the player, speculation suggests he was talking about Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutch midfielder who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in September 2023. Gravenberch arrived at Anfield with high expectations, regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young midfield prospects. However, his growth has not gone as planned, raising questions about whether Liverpool is the right fit for him.

Under Jürgen Klopp, Gravenberch was gradually introduced into the team but struggled to secure significant playing time as the team relied on more experienced midfielders. When Arne Slot took over in June 2024, many expected Gravenberch would finally receive the playing time he needed. Slot, known for his work with young players at Feyenoord, was anticipated to unlock the midfielder’s full potential. However, the situation has been quite different.

Rather than relying on Gravenberch, Slot has frequently left him on the bench, opting for other midfielders in key matches. Despite flashes of his talent in cup competitions and brief appearances in the Premier League, Gravenberch has had difficulty breaking into the starting XI. Guardiola’s comments underscore the growing frustration among football experts and fans who feel the Dutchman has been underutilized.

Liverpool’s recent performances have only amplified the criticism. The Reds have struggled with consistency this season, with some of their defeats highlighting a lack of creativity and energy in midfield. Their FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle, a match in which Slot rotated the squad extensively, further fueled the debate over whether Liverpool’s fringe players are receiving the proper development.

During the match against Tottenham, where Guardiola closely observed Liverpool’s squad, Gravenberch demonstrated his technical ability, agility, and vision. His passing accuracy, dribbling skills, and ability to break through defensive lines were evident, prompting Guardiola to compare him to Vinícius Jr. Given the Brazilian’s explosive impact at Real Madrid, Guardiola’s statement reflects how highly he rates Gravenberch’s potential.

Vinícius Jr. has established himself as one of the top wingers in world football, playing a vital role in Real Madrid’s success over recent years. His ability to beat defenders, create chances, and score crucial goals has made him indispensable for Los Blancos. For Guardiola to claim that a Liverpool player has greater potential than Vinícius Jr. is a bold statement—especially coming from a manager of Guardiola’s stature.

This is not the first time Guardiola has voiced strong opinions about player development at rival clubs. The Spanish coach has always emphasized the importance of proper management and the need to nurture young talent through consistent playing time. His approach has been evident at Manchester City, where he has developed players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer (before his move to Chelsea), and Rico Lewis.

The question now is whether Arne Slot will heed Guardiola’s comments and begin integrating Gravenberch more into his plans. With Liverpool still in contention for major trophies this season, the Dutch midfielder could play a pivotal role in rejuvenating the team’s midfield, provided he gets the opportunity. Slot has already faced criticism from fans who feel his decision-making has been overly cautious, and Guardiola’s remarks only add pressure on the Liverpool boss.

The situation also raises concerns about Gravenberch’s long-term future at Liverpool. If he continues to struggle for playing time, he may look for a move elsewhere in search of regular football. Several top European clubs would be keen on acquiring a player of his ability, especially considering his versatility and technical skill.

Gravenberch’s lack of consistent minutes is not an isolated problem at Liverpool. Over the years, several talented players have struggled to fulfill their potential due to limited opportunities. Players like Naby Keïta and Takumi Minamino were highly regarded but never found their rhythm at Anfield. Fans worry that Gravenberch could follow a similar trajectory if changes aren’t made soon.

Liverpool’s upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether Guardiola’s comments were an exaggeration or an accurate evaluation. If Gravenberch continues to shine in his limited appearances, Slot may have to reconsider his approach. On the other hand, if he remains sidelined, speculation about a potential exit will only intensify.

Guardiola’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions among football fans. Liverpool fans are divided—some agree that Gravenberch deserves more playing time, while others believe he still needs to prove himself. Meanwhile, Real Madrid supporters have dismissed the comparison, arguing that Vinícius Jr. is in a league of his own.

Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear: Gravenberch has the talent to become a world-class player. Whether he fulfills that potential at Liverpool or elsewhere is yet to be seen. What is undeniable is that Guardiola’s comments have placed both Gravenberch and Arne Slot under intense scrutiny, and all eyes will be on Liverpool’s next move.

For now, the ball is in Slot’s court. Will he trust the young midfielder and allow him the opportunity to prove Guardiola right? Or will Gravenberch continue to struggle for playing time and ultimately seek a new challenge? One thing is certain—this is a story that will continue to evolve as the season unfolds.