Arne Slot is impressed by Justin Kluivert's performances. The Dutch manager will face his compatriot on Saturday as Liverpool takes on Bournemouth. He is also looking forward to the battles between Kluivert and Ryan Gravenberch.
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Justin Kluivert has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, emerging as one of the key figures in Bournemouth’s remarkable unbeaten run.
The Dutch winger has found the net six times and contributed three assists in his last four matches, making him one of the most in-form attackers in the Premier League. His recent performances have not gone unnoticed, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot is fully aware of the threat he poses as the two teams prepare to meet on Saturday, February 1, at 16:00 at the Vitality Stadium.
"Justin is having a fantastic season," Slot said in his pre-match press conference. "For all Dutch fans, it’s great to see. He left the Netherlands at a young age and faced criticism for that decision, but he is a great example that success abroad is certainly possible. He has matured as a player and is showing that he can perform at a high level in one of the most competitive leagues in the world."
Kluivert’s decision to leave Ajax in 2018 was met with skepticism in the Netherlands, as many felt he had taken the leap too early. After stints at AS Roma, RB Leipzig, and Valencia, it took him some time to truly settle and fulfill his potential. Now at Bournemouth, under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, he appears to have found the right environment to thrive. The 25-year-old has been instrumental in the team’s attacking play, using his speed, dribbling, and finishing ability to dismantle defenses.
Slot was quick to recognize the role that Iraola and his coaching staff have played in Kluivert’s resurgence. "The fact that Justin is performing so well is also down to his coach and the team around him. Bournemouth is playing with confidence, and they have a manager who has instilled a clear philosophy. That’s helping players like Justin reach their full potential. He is still young, but he is already reaching a very high level," Slot noted.
Saturday’s match will also see Kluivert come up against Ryan Gravenberch, another Dutch talent who, like him, came through Ajax’s famous academy. The midfield battle between Gravenberch and Kluivert is one that Slot is particularly excited about. "It will be great to see two players from the Ajax youth system facing off in a Premier League match of this magnitude. They are both incredibly talented, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against each other," he added.
While much of the focus has been on Kluivert’s rise, the buildup to this game has also been dominated by speculation over Mohamed Salah’s future. The Egyptian superstar’s contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season, and with persistent interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, the uncertainty surrounding his future continues to grow. Liverpool fans are increasingly concerned that their talisman could leave Anfield in the summer, and Slot was inevitably asked about the situation during his press conference.
"Mo is old and wise enough to make the right decision for himself," Slot said. "Everyone wants him, and so do we. Of course, we would love for him to extend his contract. It doesn’t surprise me that there is interest from Saudi Arabia. He has made many smart decisions in his career, so I’m sure he will choose what’s best for him again. Hopefully, that means staying with us."
Salah remains an essential figure for Liverpool, and his importance in this fixture cannot be overstated. While Bournemouth is unbeaten in twelve consecutive matches, Liverpool sits at the top of the Premier League, making this a crucial game for both teams. The Reds will rely on Salah’s experience and goal-scoring ability to break down a well-organized Bournemouth defense. The winger has been in excellent form this season, leading the team in both goals and assists, and Liverpool will need him at his best to secure all three points.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, has been one of the most impressive teams in the league over the past few months. Under Iraola, they have developed a fearless and attacking style of play, capable of troubling any opponent. Their twelve-game unbeaten streak includes victories over Manchester United and Newcastle, proving that they are not intimidated by facing the league’s biggest clubs. With players like Kluivert, Dominic Solanke, and Philip Billing in fine form, Bournemouth will believe they can cause an upset against the league leaders.
This match carries significant implications for both sides. For Liverpool, it is another test in their pursuit of the Premier League title. With Manchester City and Arsenal in close pursuit, every point matters, and they cannot afford any slip-ups. For Bournemouth, this game presents an opportunity to further cement their status as one of the league’s most improved teams. If they manage to extend their unbeaten run against one of Europe’s top clubs, it would send a strong message to the rest of the league.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Justin Kluivert and Mohamed Salah, two players at different stages of their careers but both capable of deciding the outcome of the match. Kluivert, eager to prove himself on the biggest stage, and Salah, possibly playing his final months in a Liverpool shirt, will both have a point to prove. With the added intrigue of Gravenberch’s involvement and Bournemouth’s impressive form, this promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the weekend in the Premier League.
Updated: 04:31, 31 Jan 2025
