Ryan Gravenberch, a 22-year-old midfielder, sought a new home at Liverpool last summer from Bayern Munich, where he had been struggling for opportunities, at the behest of manager Jurgen Klopp, who had been watching him since his days at Ajax.
Last season he played as an inside half. He was in the process of adapting to his first Premier League season and failed to secure a regular role, but the appointment of fellow countryman Arne Slott changed the world.
Changing position to defensive midfielder, he showed his prized ability to carry the ball forward.He has been able to build his game from a low position, undeterred by heavy pressing, and has continued to produce top-class performances, not only for Liverpool but also throughout the league.
With the young midfielder starting to establish himself in the Dutch national team, national and club captain Virgil van Dijk has spoken of his development on and off the pitch, saying he has been almost perfect so far this season.
“Last year he didn’t play as much but we all saw his quality and it was key to keep his head down and work his socks off.”
“This year he has got the trust and the confidence. He can show his quality week in, week out and every few days. I am very impressed with him. Not only on the pitch but outside the pitch as well.”
“He is still a young boy but he is growing into a man. The way you approach the game on and off the pitch is very key to be a world-class player.”
“The consistency he is showing, he is a world-class player and he can only get better as well. He learns from difficult moments in games. He has been almost flawless this season. I am proud of him. He is vital for us.”
Liverpoolfc.com
I would like to learn to read the game, if possible. There are not a few occasions when he is a little light on the ball, and he has a lot to learn from his predecessors as a defensive midfielder, such as Japan midfielder Wataru Endo.
However, if he continues to improve in the future, he has the potential to become a midfield player at the bottom of the park, comparable to Spain’s midfielder Rodri, and continuity will be important in the coming season and beyond.
What kind of reputation will the Dutch midfielder, who has been praised by some of the best centre-backs in the world, have by the end of his career? I’m looking forward to it.