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 set the football world ablaze with a bold claim, arguing that Liverpool has a player who is more talented than Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. However, Guardiola believes the player has been unfairly held back due to mismanagement under Arne Slot. “He’s way better than Vinícius Jr., and the reason he hasn’t reached his potential is because of poor management. Arne Slot did a terrible job managing the lad. If he gave him more playing time, he would have helped the team to score,” Guardiola said after watching the player’s impressive display against Tottenham Hotspur.

Although Guardiola did not mention the player by name, speculation has been rife that he was referring to Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutch midfielder who joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in September 2023. Gravenberch arrived at Anfield with great expectations, hailed as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe. However, his development has not gone according to plan, leading to questions about whether Liverpool is the right club for him.

Under Jürgen Klopp, Gravenberch was gradually introduced into the squad, but opportunities were limited as the team relied on more established midfielders. When Arne Slot took over in June 2024, many assumed Gravenberch would finally get the playing time he needed. Slot, known for his work with young players at Feyenoord, was expected to unlock the midfielder’s full potential. However, the reality has been quite different.

Instead of trusting Gravenberch, Slot has often left him on the bench, favoring other midfielders in crucial games. Despite glimpses of his quality in cup competitions and brief Premier League appearances, Gravenberch has struggled to cement his place in the starting lineup. Guardiola’s comments highlight a growing frustration among football analysts and fans who believe that the Dutchman has been underutilized.

Liverpool’s recent performances have only intensified the criticism. The Reds have struggled for consistency this season, with some of their defeats exposing a lack of creativity and energy in midfield. Their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Plymouth Argyle, a game where Slot rotated his squad heavily, further fueled the debate about whether Liverpool’s fringe players are receiving the right kind of development.

In the match against Tottenham, where Guardiola closely watched the Liverpool squad, Gravenberch showcased his technical ability, agility, and vision. His passing accuracy, dribbling skills, and ability to break through defensive lines were on full display, leading Guardiola to make his striking comparison to Vinícius Jr. Given the Brazilian’s explosive impact at Real Madrid, Guardiola’s statement is a testament to how highly he rates Gravenberch’s potential.

Vinícius Jr. has established himself as one of the best wingers in world football, playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success over the past few seasons. His ability to take on defenders, create chances, and score crucial goals has made him indispensable for Los Blancos. To claim that a Liverpool player possesses greater potential than Vinícius Jr. is no small statement—especially coming from a manager of Guardiola’s caliber.

This is not the first time Guardiola has expressed strong opinions about player development at rival clubs. The Spanish coach has consistently emphasized the importance of proper management and the need to nurture young talents through regular game time. His philosophy has been evident at Manchester City, where he has developed players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer (before his move to Chelsea), and Rico Lewis.

The question now is whether Arne Slot will take Guardiola’s words seriously 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 revitalizing the team’s midfield, provided he gets the chance. Slot has already faced criticism from fans who feel his decision-making has been too cautious, and Guardiola’s statement only adds more pressure on the Liverpool boss.

The situation also raises concerns about Gravenberch’s long-term future at Liverpool. If he continues to struggle for minutes, he might seek a move elsewhere in search of regular football. Several top European clubs would be interested in acquiring a player of his caliber, especially given his versatility and technical prowess.

Gravenberch’s lack of consistent playing time is not an isolated issue at Liverpool. Over the years, the club has seen several talented players struggle to reach their full potential due to limited opportunities. Players like Naby Keïta and Takumi Minamino were highly rated but never truly found their footing at Anfield. Fans fear that Gravenberch could follow a similar path if changes are not made soon.

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether Guardiola’s comments were an overstatement or an accurate assessment. If Gravenberch continues to shine in the limited opportunities he gets, Slot may be forced to rethink his approach. Conversely, if he remains sidelined, speculation about a possible exit will only grow stronger.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s words have sparked mixed reactions among football fans. Liverpool supporters are divided—some agree that Gravenberch deserves more minutes, while others argue that he still needs to prove himself further. On the other hand, Real Madrid fans have dismissed the comparison, insisting that Vinícius Jr. is in a league of his own.

Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear: Gravenberch has the talent to be a world-class player. Whether he fulfills that potential at Liverpool or elsewhere remains to be seen. What is undeniable is that Guardiola’s remarks have put 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 a chance to prove Guardiola right? Or will Gravenberch continue to struggle for minutes and ultimately seek a new challenge elsewhere? One thing is certain—this is a story that will continue to unfold as the season progresses.