RYAN Gravenberch remains a beacon of hope for Liverpool. After a summer of major spending, Liverpool brought in a plethora of talented players, seeking to keep the Premier League trophy in Merseyside, writes Ruben Picardo Ashworth
However, three months into the new season, Arne Slot has faced unwanted issues amongst his squad and far too many defeats. Hard times don’t just build character; they reveal it and at just 23-years-old, Gravenberch is taking on responsibility beyond his years. After a shocking run of defeats, Liverpool are bouncing back with Gravenberch central to the uplift. They will need all his skills in this week end’s standout top-flight fixture when the Reds visit Manchester City.
Anfield ace deserved much more than a chorus of disapproval
Born in the Netherlands to Afro-Surinamese parents, the young Dutchman joined Ajax’s academy in 2010, climbing through the youth system until he signed his first professional contract eight years later. He didn’t just play football, he excelled.
Gravenberch stands as a reminder that sometimes, the right player in the right role can change everything
Gravenberch made history in 2018 when he came on as a late substitute, becoming the club’s youngest ever Eredivisie player at 16 years-old, four months and seven days.
After a couple of years building experience, he became a mainstay of the Ajax midfield, going from strength to strength. Between 2020-2022, the name Ryan Gravenberch was beginning to echo around the football world. Quality performances on the mainstages became more frequent and in July 2022 German giants, Bayern Munich purchased the midfielder for 18.5 million euros.
A poor season in German saw Gravenberch have his first major setback. However, a transfer the following summer on deadline day brought the youngster to Liverpool for 40 million euros.
Jurgen Klopp was an admirer of the Dutchman, and they looked to be a perfect match. However, things didn’t click.
Gravenberch only made 12 starts and their seemed to be a lack of trust given to the player. He struggled to hold down a starting position and often came on in a more attacking role.
Every time you play the ball to him, he knows what to do with it
The end of the 2023/24 season saw Klopp leave and Slot join, and a career revival was made through Slot trusting Gravenberch in the midfield six position. A simple decision became a monumental factor for Liverpool’s success and Gravenberch’s own development.
In October 2024, Slot was asked by FourFourTwo about Gravenberch’s involvement. He said: “He has certain characteristics to play in that position, and one of them is that he is really comfortable with the ball.
“Every time you play the ball to him, he knows what to do with it, so he is really good in his one-, two-touch passes. But he is also very comfortable in turning away from his man so we can create an overload. He is tall, he can run and is strong in the duels.”
Gravenberch went on to have a career best, being voted as Liverpool’s Young Player of the Season and earned himself a place in the PFA Premier League XI, as one of the standout midfielders that campaign.
In Slot’s first season, his new role provided extra support in defence, positional awareness, and midfield balance. With improved performance came improved numbers. His tackles increased by 43, interceptions by 46 and duels won by 110.
Yet, a new season throws new challenges. While others have struggled to adapt, Gravenberch’s work rate, athleticism, and ability to transition play quickly has offered Slot reassurance.
His evolution from a talented bench player to a midfield number six is a triumph. Ryan Gravenberch stands as a reminder that sometimes, the right player in the right role can change everything.
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