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

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again stirred the football world with a bold claim, asserting that Liverpool has a player more talented than Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. However, Guardiola believes this player has not reached his full potential due to poor management under Arne Slot. “He’s much better than Vinícius Jr., and the reason he hasn’t fully developed is due to bad management. Arne Slot failed him. If he’d been given more playing time, it would have benefited the team,” Guardiola remarked after observing the player’s impressive performance against Tottenham Hotspur.

While Guardiola did not specifically name the player, speculation suggests he was referring to Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutch midfielder who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in September 2023. Gravenberch arrived at Anfield with high expectations, viewed as one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders. However, his growth has not gone as anticipated, raising doubts about whether Liverpool is the right environment for him.

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

Rather than relying on Gravenberch, Slot has often left him on the bench, opting for other midfielders in crucial matches. Despite showing glimpses of his talent in cup competitions and brief appearances in the Premier League, Gravenberch has struggled to break into the starting XI. Guardiola’s remarks highlight the growing frustration among experts and fans who feel the Dutchman has been underutilized.

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

During the match against Tottenham, where Guardiola was closely observing Liverpool’s squad, Gravenberch showcased his technical ability, agility, and vision. His passing accuracy, dribbling skills, and ability to break 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 key role in Real Madrid’s success in 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 expressed strong opinions about player development at rival clubs. The Spanish manager has always stressed 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 take Guardiola’s comments on board and start integrating Gravenberch more into his plans. With Liverpool still competing for major trophies this season, the Dutch midfielder could play a crucial 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 too cautious, and Guardiola’s comments only increase the pressure on the Liverpool manager.

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

Gravenberch’s lack of consistent minutes is not an isolated issue at Liverpool. Over the years, several talented players have struggled to reach 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 path if changes aren’t made soon.

Liverpool’s upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining whether Guardiola’s comments were an exaggeration or a correct assessment. If Gravenberch continues to impress in his limited appearances, Slot may need 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 class of his own.

Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear: Gravenberch has the talent to become a world-class player. Whether he reaches that potential at Liverpool or elsewhere remains 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 give him the opportunity to prove Guardiola right? Or will Gravenberch continue to struggle for minutes and ultimately seek a new challenge? One thing is certain—this is a story that will continue to unfold as the season progresses.