From Bayern setback to Liverpool resurgence – Gravenberch’s journey

By Martin Graham

Ryan Gravenberch was as soon as thought to be Ajax’s newest jewel, rising from their youth system with lofty comparisons to Frank Rijkaard. Such expectations weighed closely on a youngster nonetheless studying the skilled sport.

A transfer to Bayern Munich in 2022, valued at £16m, shortly turned bitter. The midfielder featured in 24 Bundesliga matches however was handed solely three begins. Thomas Tuchel, then head coach, by no means really trusted him, leaving the teen pissed off and questioning his route.

Within the Netherlands, many felt the swap got here too quickly. Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan argued that staying longer at Ajax might need ready him higher, whereas even his household questioned whether or not he would rediscover his type after troublesome months in Germany.

Liverpool’s gamble and Slot’s determination

Liverpool stepped in throughout September 2023, investing £34m to deliver the Dutchman to Anfield. Jürgen Klopp initially praised his qualities, however he managed solely 12 Premier League begins in his first marketing campaign.

All the pieces modified with the arrival of Arne Slot. When a deliberate £52m switch for Martin Zubimendi collapsed, the brand new coach turned to a well-known participant from the Eredivisie. Slot positioned Gravenberch within the quantity six function, which turned pivotal throughout Liverpool’s title-winning season.

This religion proved decisive. Slot not solely trusted him to anchor midfield however progressively allowed extra freedom, including an attacking edge to his sport. Dutch reporters noticed that the supervisor knew find out how to unlock hidden strengths, as he had carried out beforehand with Feyenoord gamers.

Transformation into Liverpool’s key man

Gravenberch’s impression has been clear. Final season, he didn’t rating in 37 league outings, however this marketing campaign he already has two in 4, together with the derby opener in opposition to Everton. In opposition to Burnley, he managed 4 efforts on aim and created 4 possibilities, whereas final 12 months there have been matches with no attacking contribution.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes he has been the group’s standout performer. He highlighted the aspect’s vulnerability when Gravenberch missed the opening sport in opposition to Bournemouth, noting the distinction as soon as he returned. Murphy praised his consciousness, passing vary, and skill to glide previous opponents with ease.

The numbers additionally present consistency defensively: tackles and recoveries are on par with final season, but he’s working larger up the sector. The mixture of defensive solidity and ahead thrust has elevated his status throughout Europe.

Comparisons, confidence and future potential

The Dutch press as soon as feared he may develop into a wasted expertise. Now, voices similar to Rafael van der Vaart’s declare – that Gravenberch might be higher than Jude Bellingham – now not sound outlandish.

Murphy charges him above rivals like Zubimendi and Caicedo due to his wider talent set, whereas additionally grouping him with Europe’s best holding midfielders. For him, Vitinha of PSG and Gravenberch are setting the usual.

Van der Kraan sees him as a certainty for Ronald Koeman’s World Cup midfield, alongside Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders. With Liverpool thriving on the prime of the desk and Gravenberch now a father, the sense is that he has lastly discovered the atmosphere to fulfil the promise as soon as overshadowed at Bayern.