Jurgen Klopp has high hopes for Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch is enjoying life under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and looks like a shadow of the player who struggled to fit in at Bayern Munich.
The Dutch ace is slowly yet surely getting back to his best in red and has already found the back of the net twice in the UEFA Europa League. His second goal came in last night’s emphatic 5-1 win over Toulouse as the Reds took another step towards the next round.
Gravenberch’s close control of the ball in tight quarters coupled with his ability to push forward and get into goal scoring areas adds a new dimension to the Liverpool midfield. Jurgen Klopp is very pleased with what he has seen but believes there is still more to come.
Speaking after the game, Klopp was visibly ecstatic and according to TNT Sports (h/t BBC), he praised Gravenberch’s first touch and ability to leave his marker for dead. This gave the Reds much penetration going forward and also opened up the route for Darwin Nunez’s goal on the night.
“He’s a good player. I’m so happy for him that he starts really enjoying his football again. His first touch is incredible, his acceleration with the ball. He’s not even half way there. The good thing is that he has a lot of things to improve.”
Gravenberch is still just 21 and has the best years of his career ahead of him. While his signing has arguably gone under the radar given the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, the Reds can claim to have a truly world-class talent on their hands.
The Dutch midfielder was among the best young players in Europe during his time at Ajax Amsterdam. His development stalled at Bayern and Thomas Tuchel’s apparent lack of faith did not do him any favours. Now offered the chance to restart his career at Liverpool, he appears to be taking the opportunity with both hands.
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Klopp is exactly the kind of manager Gravenberch needed to get his career back on track. Gone is the morose footballer seen at the Allianz Arena and in his place, we now have a star who cannot stop smiling. The Liverpool boss appears to have undoubted faith in his midfielder and if all goes well, can help develop another world beater.
