Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool last summer at the behest of manager Jurgen Klopp, and after rising through the first team ranks at Ajax as a teenager, he found himself on the bench at Bayern Munich.
He was looking for revenge in the Bundesliga and made 38 appearances in his first season in the Premier League last season, but failed to make a big impact. He was bewildered by England’s uniquely fast football and had a year to get used to it, even as an inside-half.
This season, with new manager Arne Slot in charge, he switched to the bottom of midfield. From an attacking position to a defensive one, he has started three consecutive games since the start of the season and is improving with every game.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who is opening the door to a new career, is a great admirer of the skills of his countryman head coach Slot. He said he has a clear plan and understands what he wants from himself, and revealed that he is growing more confident by the day.
“He just gives me the confidence now, puts me in the starting line-up and it’s going well,”
“When playing again of course [it gives confidence], making minutes and for me in principle the trust is also added. I feel good about myself and it’s getting better over time.”
“He’s a good trainer, he knows what he wants, he has a clear plan and so far we are executing it very well.”
ESPN
Having missed out on Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, he has moved up to first in the pecking order as a defensive midfielder. He will face competition for places from the likes of Japan midfielder Wataru Endo and local boy Curtis Jones, but at the moment he has shown no sign of giving up his place.
If he can continue to perform like he has all season, he could turn into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He will also no doubt be a regular in the Dutch national team.
Will the young 22-year-old midfielder show his rapid development over the past year and develop into an extraordinary talent?