Ryan Gravenberch
Image Credits: Getty images
Ryan Gravenberch has revealed who he emulates as a midfielder after being compared to former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.
Gravenberch has been one of this season’s standout players, starting in all of the club’s Premier League and Champion League games.
The Dutchman struggled somewhat for game time in his first season at Anfield but is now one of the key figures in the Liverpool team.
Gravenberch was part of the Reds’ 19-man squad that travelled to Spain for Liverpool’s Champions League game against Girona and is likely to be in the starting X1.
Liverpool play their sixth UEFA Champions League game on Tuesday, with kickoff set for 5.45pm GMT.
Gravenberch played a starring role in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid, and the 21-year-old was compared to former Germany World Cup-winning midfielder Kroos after the game.
He joined Arne Slot for the Girona pre-match press conference on Monday night, and as expected, the question of his comparison with Kroos was raised.
What Ryan Gravenberch said about Toni Kroos
During the pre-match press conference for the Girona name, Gravenberch was asked about the comparison with the ex-Real Madrid man and about who he models his game after.
“Yeah! It’s nice to hear that, of course, because Toni Kroos is a legend of the game,” Ryan Gravenberch answered when asked about comparisons with Toni Kroos.
“He did a lot of good things, so it’s nice to hear.”
He was then asked whether he models his game after any midfielder, including Kroos.
“Not really, to be honest,” he answered.
“I just want to be myself.”
Gravenberch also spoke extensively on playing as a number six and whether he is still learning the role.
“Yes, of course,” he responded to the inquiry about learning the No. 6 role.
“I think everyone can still improve – so can I. It goes really well but maybe I can do a bit more in defending. I am really happy with the performances I now have, so I have to keep going.”
On enjoying playing so many games and whether there will become a point where he may want a break, the Dutchman said:
“For now, it is nice to play every single game, but maybe in the future, when you play a lot of games… I think we played 20 games in the Champions League and competitions. When you reach the 60 or 70 games, it’s really crazy, but for now, it’s OK.”
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