When Ryan Gravenberch emerged from Ajax’s youth system, pundits labeled him “the new Frank Rijkaard.” The comparison to Rijkaard, who won the Champions League, European Cup Winners’ Cup, and five Eredivisie titles with Ajax, weighed heavily on the young midfielder. After one challenging season at Bayern Munich, questions arose over whether Gravenberch’s evident talent would ever reach its potential. Liverpool rescued him with a £34m deal in September 2023. Under the guidance of countryman Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp the following season, Gravenberch now ranks among Europe’s finest in his position.
Liverpool finds the key
Slot deployed Gravenberch as a holding midfielder when Liverpool won the Premier League in his first season. The Dutch manager made this decision after a planned £52m move for Martin Zubimendi fell through. With more attacking freedom this season, Gravenberch has become Liverpool’s standout player as they won all five league games so far. His progression demonstrates Slot’s ability to extract the best from his players, balancing defensive responsibility with freedom to influence attacks.
Gravenberch makes Liverpool tick
Gravenberch excelled as Liverpool’s holding ‘number six’ last season, and Slot now allows him more liberty to impact the game higher up the pitch. His defensive stats remain consistent, but he now frequently receives the ball in central areas closer to the opponent’s goal. He did not score in 37 league appearances last season, yet he already has two goals in four games this term, including the opener in the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield. In Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Burnley, he registered four shots and created four chances, a level of involvement unseen in many games last season.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy praised Gravenberch’s qualities, highlighting his spatial awareness, ability to glide past opponents, and exceptional athleticism. Murphy emphasized how rare it is for a central midfielder to carry the ball through defensive lines while retaining precision in passing. Klopp recognized him as “an exceptional talent” at signing, but Gravenberch made only 12 league starts in an indifferent first season under the German coach. Slot’s arrival, coupled with the collapse of the Zubimendi deal, triggered his transformation.
Slot’s faith transforms a player
Many Liverpool fans questioned the strategy after missing out on Zubimendi, but Slot placed his trust in the player he knew from the Netherlands. Murphy explained that confidence from a manager is crucial for a player’s development. Gravenberch struggled for momentum under Klopp, but Slot gave him a platform to thrive. Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan, chief sports editor at De Telegraaf, highlighted Slot’s skill in maximizing player potential. He noted that Slot added attacking freedom to Gravenberch’s game and allowed him to fully exploit his talents.
Bayern despair
Gravenberch joined Bayern Munich in June 2022 for £16m but started only three of 24 Bundesliga games. Thomas Tuchel appeared unconvinced of his value, and many in the Netherlands considered the move premature. Van der Kraan explained that Ajax’s academy often labels talents “the new Rijkaard” due to their stature and athleticism, but such expectations can be burdensome. Gravenberch faced enormous pressure at a young age, and the early move to Germany disrupted his development. He struggled mentally during his Bayern stint, but Liverpool provided the environment for his resurgence.
Better than Bellingham? Gravenberch’s ceiling
Gravenberch’s renaissance has placed him among Europe’s elite in midfield. Murphy asserts that he was last season’s best in the number six role and continues at the same level this season. Fans of other clubs debate over players like Zubimendi and Moises Caicedo, yet Gravenberch offers more capability in advanced positions. His Liverpool revival reassured Dutch observers who feared the loss of a generational talent. Van der Kraan cited Rafael van der Vaart, who claimed Gravenberch could outperform Jude Bellingham even during his low point. Today, his performances suggest that assessment may have been accurate.
Murphy emphasizes Gravenberch’s dual role as a playmaker and holding midfielder, able to progress forward with freedom. Alongside Vitinha at Paris Saint-Germain, he stands as one of Europe’s best in the holding midfield position. Gravenberch has become Liverpool’s driving force and is likely to play a central role in the Netherlands’ World Cup midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders.
