This season has been a big one in the career of Ryan Gravenberch.
The Dutch star arrived at Anfield last season as part of a £34m move from Bayern Munich and it is fair to say the midfielder struggled during his first campaign on Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp did not fully trust the 22-year-old during his adaptation period and that experience seems to have made the player stronger.
Jamie Carragher has credited Slot for improving Gravenberch this season as the Dutch coach made the decision to move the midfielder into the number six role in his team.
The former Feyenoord boss is not the only one given credit by Gravenberch for his turnaround with the Netherlands international also naming two of his teammates for helping him improve.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
The three people who have helped improve Ryan Gravenberch
Gravenberch’s form has taken a bit of a downturn in recent weeks, which may be a result of the number of minutes the midfielder has played this season.
However, the Dutch star has overall been brilliant for Liverpool and speaking ahead of the Merseyside derby with Everton, the 22-year-old has credited three people for helping improve.
“Definitely, John Heitinga. He was my Under-19s coach at Ajax, so we go way back,” the 22-year-old told Liverpool’s official matchday programme for the Everton game. “We’ve analysed my game together, which has helped me improve.
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“And, of course, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, the other Dutch lads, are really important too. We spent a lot of time together and let’s say they are not afraid to provide honest feedback.”
Gravenberch is fit to face Everton on Wednesday after some fitness concerns during the international break and will be looking to get back to top form with a solid performance.
Ahead of the Mesreyside derby, the midfielder also opened up about his struggles last season and what has changed for him throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Ryan Gravenberch opens up on difficult first season at Liverpool
The biggest difference between Gravenberch this season and last has been the switch of position as the number six role suits the 22-year-old’s style of play more than the number eight.
There is also the mental side of the game that only the player can provide answers for and speaking ahead of Liverpool’s match with Everton, Gravenberch has shared how he thinks he has improved at Anfield this season.
“Obviously, last year was a big adjustment for me, transferring clubs and settling into a new country. It takes time” the Dutch star admitted.
“This season, I’m playing more, I’m feeling confident and physically, I’m in better shape. And, to be honest, I believe that I have been taking better care of myself in terms of recovery and diet too.”
Season Games Goals Assists Minutes
24/25 41 0 2 3516
23/24 39 4 2 1848
Ryan Gravenberch’s Liverpool career stats
Gravenberch’s turnaround at Liverpool has been one of the stories of the season, especially as the Premier League leaders tried to recruit Martin Zubimendi last summer from Real Sociedad.
The Dutch star has saved the Reds millions and everyone at the Merseyside club will hope he can keep it up throughout the 2025/26 campaign.