From Bayern setback to Liverpool resurgence – Gravenberch’s journey

By Martin Graham

Ryan Gravenberch was once regarded as Ajax’s latest jewel, emerging from their youth system with lofty comparisons to Frank Rijkaard. Such expectations weighed heavily on a teenager still learning the professional game.

A move to Bayern Munich in 2022, valued at £16m, quickly turned sour. The midfielder featured in 24 Bundesliga matches but was handed only three starts. Thomas Tuchel, then head coach, never truly trusted him, leaving the youngster frustrated and questioning his direction.

In the Netherlands, many felt the switch came too soon. Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan argued that staying longer at Ajax might have prepared him better, while even his family wondered whether he would rediscover his form after difficult months in Germany.

Liverpool’s gamble and Slot’s decision

Liverpool stepped in during September 2023, investing £34m to bring the Dutchman to Anfield. Jürgen Klopp initially praised his qualities, but he managed only 12 Premier League starts in his first campaign.

Everything changed with the arrival of Arne Slot. When a planned £52m transfer for Martin Zubimendi collapsed, the new coach turned to a familiar player from the Eredivisie. Slot positioned Gravenberch in the number six role, which became pivotal during Liverpool’s title-winning season.

This faith proved decisive. Slot not only trusted him to anchor midfield but gradually allowed more freedom, adding an attacking edge to his game. Dutch reporters observed that the manager knew how to unlock hidden strengths, as he had done previously with Feyenoord players.

Transformation into Liverpool’s key man

Gravenberch’s impact has been clear. Last season, he did not score in 37 league outings, but this campaign he already has two in four, including the derby opener against Everton. Against Burnley, he managed four efforts on goal and created four chances, whereas last year there were matches with no attacking contribution.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes he has been the team’s standout performer. He highlighted the side’s vulnerability when Gravenberch missed the opening game against Bournemouth, noting the difference once he returned. Murphy praised his awareness, passing range, and ability to glide past opponents with ease.

The numbers also show consistency defensively: tackles and recoveries are on par with last season, yet he is operating higher up the field. The combination of defensive solidity and forward thrust has elevated his reputation across Europe.

Comparisons, confidence and future potential

The Dutch press once feared he might become a wasted talent. Now, voices such as Rafael van der Vaart’s claim – that Gravenberch could be better than Jude Bellingham – no longer sound outlandish.

Murphy rates him above rivals like Zubimendi and Caicedo because of his wider skill set, while also grouping him with Europe’s finest holding midfielders. For him, Vitinha of PSG and Gravenberch are setting the standard.

Van der Kraan sees him as a certainty for Ronald Koeman’s World Cup midfield, alongside Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders. With Liverpool thriving at the top of the table and Gravenberch now a father, the sense is that he has finally found the environment to fulfil the promise once overshadowed at Bayern.