How Ryan Gravenberch Found His Groove at Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, England — It’s a story of two young stars, two wildly different paths, and one shared stage. Three years ago, Ryan Gravenberch and Jude Bellingham, two of Europe’s most exciting young talents, faced off for the first time as senior professionals in the Champions League. That night, Gravenberch’s Ajax dismantled Bellingham’s Borussia Dortmund 4-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Fast forward to today, and the two midfield maestros are set to meet again, this time with Liverpool and Real Madrid, respectively, in a revamped Champions League clash at Anfield. But oh, how the tables have turned since 2021.
Both players are now considered among Europe’s elite midfielders, but their journeys couldn’t be more different. Bellingham’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, while Gravenberch’s path has been more of a winding road. Yet, as Liverpool fans will tell you, the Dutchman’s evolution has been worth the wait, helping propel the Reds to new heights this season.
“He Had Something Special About Him”
Born in Amsterdam, Ryan Gravenberch grew up idolizing his older brother, Danzell, who toughened him up during street football matches. Both brothers came through the ranks at Ajax’s famed academy, but their careers took very different turns. While Danzell has played for 13 different clubs and now plies his trade at FC Den Bosch in the Dutch second tier, Ryan was always destined for the big stage.
“When he was about four years old, we used to take Ryan to play football on a Sunday morning,” his father, Ryan Sr., told ESPN. “He was playing against boys who were seven or eight years old, and he was always the best player. Me and my wife would look at each other and say, ‘Huh? We couldn’t believe it.’”
Gravenberch’s talent was evident from an early age. At Ajax, he quickly outgrew his age group, often playing two levels above his peers. “Even against the bigger players, he was so hard to get off the ball,” said Peter van der Veen, one of his youth coaches at Ajax. By 16, Gravenberch had already made history, becoming the youngest-ever Ajax player to feature in the Eredivisie, breaking Clarence Seedorf’s record.
The Bayern Munich Detour
Gravenberch’s potential caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs, including Liverpool. But in 2022, it was Bayern Munich who secured his signature for €20 million. Unfortunately, his time in Germany didn’t go as planned. Across his lone season at Bayern, he managed just 938 minutes of competitive action, starting only three Bundesliga games. Former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann had high hopes for him, saying, “He’s going to be one of the best midfielders in the world one day.” But with limited opportunities under both Nagelsmann and his successor, Thomas Tuchel, Gravenberch found himself at a crossroads.
Liverpool’s Missed Ferrari and Gravenberch’s Arrival
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham was thriving at Borussia Dortmund, becoming the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season for 2022-23. Liverpool had long admired Bellingham, but the club ultimately decided against pursuing him due to his €100 million price tag. “We are not children,” Jurgen Klopp said at the time. “Ask a five-year-old what they want for Christmas, and they say a Ferrari. It’s too expensive, and you cannot drive it.”
Instead, Liverpool turned their attention to more affordable options, including Gravenberch. On the final day of the 2023 summer transfer window, the Reds signed the Dutchman for £34 million. Klopp’s personal touch played a significant role in the move. “Jurgen FaceTimed him, and he was such a positive guy,” Gravenberch Sr. revealed. “When the deal was done, he kept all of his promises.”
Gravenberch’s Redemption at Liverpool
Gravenberch’s first season at Liverpool was about finding his feet. He started just 12 Premier League games as the Reds finished third behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Meanwhile, Bellingham was lighting up LaLiga with Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals in 42 games and finishing third in the 2024 Ballon d’Or. But for Gravenberch, the season was a chance to rediscover his love for the game. “Jurgen told me, ‘Enjoy the game again,’ and that’s what I did,” he told TNT Sports.
Slot’s Influence and Gravenberch’s Rise
Under new manager Arne Slot, Gravenberch has flourished. Slot’s decision to trial him as a No. 6 in preseason has paid dividends, with the Dutchman excelling in the role. According to Opta, Gravenberch is the only midfielder in Europe’s big-five leagues to make both 30+ tackles and 30+ interceptions in all competitions this season. His performances have been central to Liverpool’s success, with the team sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League.
- Gravenberch has already started as many Premier League games this season as he did last term.
- He boasts an impressive 89.1% pass completion rate in the 2024-25 campaign.
- His defensive contributions include 21 tackles and 16 blocks in just 12 games.
For Gravenberch’s father, the turning point came when Anfield gave his son a standing ovation during a match against Brentford. “I just broke down because I thought, ‘They’re doing this for my boy,’” he said. With big games ahead, including Wednesday’s clash against Real Madrid, Gravenberch has the chance to further cement his place as a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield.
While Liverpool may have missed out on their “Ferrari” in Bellingham, they’ve found a gem in Gravenberch. And as the Dutchman continues to shine, it’s clear that Liverpool’s midfield rebuild is paying off in spades.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
