With the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season fast approaching, Ryan Gravenberch outlined what he would like to improve upon this year, hoping to do a better job of making his voice heard
23:41, 27 Jul 2026
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 16, 2026 in London, England
Ryan Gravenberch set out his goals for the upcoming season with Liverpool(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Ryan Gravenberch has a specific goal for the upcoming year: Be a better leader.
After a disappointing year under Arne Slot, Liverpool is entering the 2026/27 season with high expectations as the club looks to what it can accomplish under former Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola. With a new set of goals for the year, Gravenberch has waded into what he hopes to improve upon this year.
The Dutch star said as much as he prepared for the next campaign with the Reds, hoping to breathe new life into a club that temporarily had disappointment draped over it last season.
"Yeah, especially after last season, I think we didn’t do a great job, so I think everyone has the feeling inside to show themselves and make it a better season this year," Gravenberch said via the club, calling to mind how the club will be looking to improve under Iraola.
Despite being 24 years old, Gravenberch will be entering his fourth season with the Reds, and when asked what he hoped to work on in the upcoming campaign, the star explained that he hoped to be a more effective presence for his teammates, even though he is one of the younger men on the squad.
"A hundred percent. It goes so quickly, hey? My fourth season already," he continued. "Of course, if I look back to last season, it was not the best season I had as well. And I want to show myself this season more and more. I want to be more of a leader now for the team, I think. So that’s what my aim is this season."
Ryan Gravenberch #8 of Netherlands arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico
Despite being only 24, Gravenberch indicated an aspect of his game he wants to improve moving forward(Image: Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
As Liverpool continues to tune up for the season, it will take its talents to North America. However, a number of the club's longtime stars will be away as they recover from the World Cup, leading Iraola to fill the roster with younger players hoping to prove themselves.
This resulted in Gravenberch, at 24, being one of the oldest players on the team for the North America trip. Touching on that point, the star admitted that though he is 24, his experience with Liverpool throughout the years already makes him one of the top players.
"I think so. I’m young, but what you said, I’ve played a lot of games, also the highest stage, so maybe I’m one of the more experienced players here," he surmised.
As he continues to improve his leadership skills, the preseason provides the perfect opportunity for Gravenberch to hone in his leadership style.
Regarding leaders, Gravenberch was asked about his excitement level knowing that Iraola will be leading Liverpool after Slot. The 24-year-old was effusive in his praise of Iraola and noted his excitement to see how the Spaniard's coaching will translate with the Reds.
Article continues below
"Yes, I’m really looking forward to it," Gravenberch said. "Just the principles that he has, with the intensity he plays, what he did with his former club – he did a really great job. So, I’m really excited [for] what he will bring to the team."
He added, "I was really impressed. I think they ended up behind us last season. With Bournemouth it’s a really great job. When we played against them it was always a tough game, so I think he did a really good job and hopefully he can do it here as well."
After Liverpool's 4-2 win over Sunderland, the Reds will face Wrexham next on July 28 in New York.