From Bayern Despair to Liverpool Brilliance: The Rise of Ryan Gravenberch
When Ryan Gravenberch burst onto the scene as Ajax’s latest prodigy, comparisons to the legendary Frank Rijkaard were inevitable. The young Dutch midfielder carried the weight of those lofty expectations, echoing Rijkaard’s storied career that included Champions League glory, multiple European Cup Winners’ Cups, five Eredivisie titles with Ajax, and two European Cups at AC Milan. For a teenager, it was a mantle that could either propel or pressure.
Gravenberch’s path took a turbulent turn after leaving Ajax for Bayern Munich in 2022. What promised to be a dream move to one of Europe’s elite clubs devolved into a season of frustration, with limited starts and doubts about his readiness for the Bundesliga’s intensity. Fears mounted that Ryan Gravenberch’s evident talent might wither on the vine. Yet, in a twist of fate, Liverpool swooped in with a £34 million transfer in September 2023, offering redemption. Under the guidance of compatriot Arne Slot, who replaced Jürgen Klopp, Ryan Gravenberch has not just revived but soared, establishing himself among Europe’s premier midfielders.
This season, with Liverpool topping the Premier League after five straight wins, Ryan Gravenberch’s influence is undeniable. Slot’s tactical acumen has unlocked his potential, transforming him from a promising talent into a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Ryan Gravenberch Makes Liverpool Tick
Last season, Ryan Gravenberch anchored Liverpool’s midfield as the holding number six, a role that helped secure the Premier League title in Slot’s debut campaign. That pivotal decision came after a £52 million bid for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi fell through—Zubimendi later joined Arsenal. Slot turned to the Dutchman he knew well from the Eredivisie, and the gamble paid off spectacularly.
While his defensive metrics—tackles, clearances, and possession wins—remain consistently elite this term, Ryan Gravenberch has evolved. Slot’s system grants him more attacking license, allowing him to venture higher up the pitch and influence play in central zones. Gone are the days of peripheral involvement; now, he’s the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack.
Contrast his output: Zero league goals in 37 appearances last season, but already two in four games this campaign, including the opener in a hard-fought Meryside derby victory over Everton at Anfield. In the 1-0 triumph at Burnley, Ryan Gravenberch unleashed four shots and crafted four chances—a far cry from the 11 league matches last year where he registered neither.
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking to BBC Sport, hailed him as Liverpool’s best and most important player this season. Murphy noted the team’s vulnerability without him, recalling the openness in the opener against Bournemouth and the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace during his absence. When he returned, you could see the difference immediately, Murphy added. He possesses rare attributes: brilliant spatial awareness and the ability to glide past opponents effortlessly.
What sets Ryan Gravenberch apart? Most midfielders excel at passing through lines, but he carries the ball dynamically, using his athleticism and body movement to evade challenges. He’s a terrific passer, but his great body movement lets the ball run across him, then his athleticism takes over, Murphy explained. This blend of defensive solidity and forward thrust has made him indispensable.
The Slot Effect on Ryan Gravenberch
Jürgen Klopp once called Ryan Gravenberch an exceptional talent upon his arrival, but the German’s tenure saw the youngster limited to just 12 league starts in a middling debut season. It was Slot’s arrival—and the Zubimendi saga’s collapse—that ignited the transformation.
Liverpool fans initially grumbled about not pursuing alternatives after Zubimendi’s departure, but Slot’s trust in Ryan Gravenberch proved visionary. As Murphy observed, Slot had seen him thrive in that role in Holland. It might have started as a stop-gap experiment, but it’s worked perfectly for both.
Slot’s praise for Ryan Gravenberch has been effusive in private conversations, underscoring the manager’s faith. When a manager speaks that glowingly, you know how highly they rate you, Murphy said. Confidence from the touchline has been key; sporadic usage under Klopp stifled momentum, but Slot’s unwavering belief has allowed Ryan Gravenberch to flourish.
This synergy mirrors broader patterns in Slot’s coaching philosophy. Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan, chief sports editor at De Telegraaf and a former beat reporter on Slot at Feyenoord, emphasized: Arne Slot has put the final piece in the Ryan Gravenberch jigsaw. Slot’s superpower? Extracting untapped potential. I’ve seen him turn average players into stars in the Netherlands. With Gravenberch, he added attacking flair, gave him freedom, and leveraged his skills perfectly.
Van der Kraan credits Liverpool’s move as a rescue mission post-Bayern. Arriving at Anfield, Ryan Gravenberch was mentally stronger, ready to rebuild. Slot’s nuanced approach—balancing defensive duties with creative outlets—has elevated him to new heights.
From Bayern Despair to Liverpool Brilliance
Ryan Gravenberch’s £16 million transfer to Bayern in June 2022 was billed as a coup, but reality bit hard. In 24 Bundesliga appearances, he started only three, sidelined by Thomas Tuchel’s skepticism. In the Netherlands, pundits decried the move as premature for a raw talent.
Van der Kraan reflected on the new Frank Rijkaard tag: It was burdensome. Ryan was strong, powerful, dynamic—stronger than anyone in Ajax’s youth ranks. But those expectations weighed heavy at such a young age. Dutch football prefers nurturing stars longer before exporting them, yet Bayern’s allure proved irresistible. It was too early, van der Kraan insisted. German football’s dynamism differs from the Premier League’s intensity. His athleticism suited England, not yet Germany.
Mentally, it was grueling. Even his father expressed doubts during dark times. Yet, Ryan Gravenberch emerged resilient, proving his family’s sports pedigree—brother Danzell is a pro footballer—right in pushing for the move.
How Good Can Ryan Gravenberch Become? Better Than Bellingham?
Ryan Gravenberch’s Liverpool renaissance has sparked debates: Is he Europe’s best in his role? Murphy thinks so. Last season, he was the Premier League’s top number six. Rodri dominated for years at City, but Gravenberch stepped up during his absence—and he’s continuing this season.
Compared to rivals like Arsenal’s Zubimendi or Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, Ryan Gravenberch offers superior versatility. He’s got more tools for advancing play, Murphy said. Once feared a lost generational talent after Bayern, he’s now Liverpool’s engine and a lock for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands squad at the World Cup, likely alongside Frenkie de Jong and Tijjani Reijnders in a potent 4-3-3.
Van der Kraan recalled the ridicule faced by ex-player Rafael van der Vaart, who claimed during Gravenberch’s lows that he surpassed Jude Bellingham. Now, people whisper Van der Vaart was onto something. Bellingham’s world-class, but Gravenberch is right there. As a new father since August, Ryan Gravenberch embodies maturity on and off the pitch.
Murphy envisions him as a playmaker holding midfielder with freedom to surge forward. Alongside PSG’s Vitinha, he’s among the continent’s elite. Few would argue against that assessment based on his current form.
Ryan Gravenberch’s journey—from Ajax wunderkind to Bayern benchwarmer to Liverpool linchpin—exemplifies perseverance and perfect timing. Under Slot, he’s not just risen; he’s redefined his ceiling, promising even greater feats ahead. As Liverpool chase domestic and European honors, Ryan Gravenberch remains central to their ambitions, a testament to belief unlocking brilliance.
