Former Liverpool man Dirk Kuyt weighs in on Ryan Gravenberch
The fact that Ryan Gravenberch sought an exit from Bayern Munich just one season after joining from Ajax Amsterdam is enough proof that his transfer to Bavaria did not work out the way he imagined it. With Leon Goretezka and Joshua Kimmich higher in the pecking order, Gravenberch saw very little game time.
However, his move to Liverpool on deadline day came with a lot of promise. The 21-year-old is loaded with talent and nobody can deny that. Even in the few opportunities that came his way during his time in Germany, the player was mighty impressive. However, the understandable need for more game time meant he found his way into Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0.
Following the loss of a number of midfielders over the summer window, it was absolutely necessary that the Reds brought in midfielders; and of all kinds. Attacking midfielders, central midfielders, holding or defensive midfielders. The likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch have been immense for the Reds in the middle of the park and have been contributors to our positive start to the season.
The old legs of Jordan Henderson and James Milner needed replacing. So did the injury-prone duo of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. In Gravenberch, the Reds have a youngster, who is as versatile as they come and possesses all the talent in the world to propel himself into becoming one of the top midfielders in the world in the near future. It is all about applying himself from this point on, and we know that, with his talent, he can surely scale heights.
Gravenberch easing into life at Liverpool
Former Red Dirk Kuyt, speaking exclusively to The Athletic [subscription required] talked about Gravenberch, and his turbulent times in Bavaria. However, he also added how the player can re-shape his career moving forward with the Reds. Here is what he had to say:
“Ryan is one of the most talented young Dutch players with a great career in front of him. The transfer to Bayern didn’t work out, so he needs to build rhythm, but the more he plays, he will have the endurance needed because his engine is one of his qualities.”
In only eight games for the Reds across all competitions this season, Gravenberch has already surpassed his goal-contribution tally with Bayern. Two goals and an assist for Jurgen Klopp’s men means that the former Ajax man is beyond the goal and the assist he had for Bayern in his 34 appearances for the club. In fact, he is the first player to either score or assist a goal in each of his first three starts for the Reds in all competitions since Milan Baros in September 2002.
As Gravenberch continues to grow and evolve at Liverpool, his journey from Bayern Munich to the Reds signifies a fresh start and an opportunity to fulfil his immense potential. With the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and the supportive environment at Anfield, Gravenberch has the platform to further develop his career and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in world football.
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For Liverpool fans, Gravenberch’s arrival has breathed new life into the midfield and added a dynamic, talented presence. As he continues to adapt and thrive in the iconic Liverpool red, the future looks bright for both the player and the club. Dirk Kuyt’s words reaffirm the belief in Gravenberch’s potential and the exciting journey that lies ahead for the young Dutch sensation at Liverpool.
