In the world of football, some journeys to stardom are more winding than others. For Ryan Gravenberch, the path from Ajax prodigy to Liverpool’s midfield maestro has been a testament to his resilience, talent, and a twist of fate that saw him fill the void left by another midfield sensation.
The Early Years: A Sibling Rivalry Fuels Greatness
Born and raised in Amsterdam, Gravenberch’s love for the beautiful game was ignited by a friendly sibling rivalry. According to his father, Ryan Sr., the young Gravenberch would often play against boys several years his senior, yet always emerged as the standout performer.
From a very early age, we could tell he was a special boy.
– Ryan Gravenberch Sr.
This precocious talent caught the eye of Ajax’s famed youth academy, where Gravenberch continued to excel. Peter van der Veen, his coach at the U15 level, recalls a player who consistently punched above his weight:
Sometimes he would even go two age groups higher, but still he could cope with the pressure. Even against the bigger players, he was so hard to get off the ball when he was in possession.
– Peter van der Veen, former Ajax youth coach
A Record-Breaking Debut and European Interest
Gravenberch’s meteoric rise saw him break Clarence Seedorf’s long-standing record, becoming Ajax’s youngest-ever Eredivisie player at just 16 years and 130 days old. His performances soon attracted interest from top European clubs, including Liverpool.
Bayern Bound: A Challenging Stint
However, it was Bayern Munich who secured his signature in the summer of 2022. Gravenberch’s time in Bavaria proved challenging, with limited game time under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. Undeterred, he remained committed to his development, earning praise from Nagelsmann:
I’ve told him that he is going to be one of the best midfielders in the world one day, and I’m committed to that. He just has to adjust a few things, and he will do that.
– Julian Nagelsmann, former Bayern Munich manager
The Bellingham Pursuit and Liverpool’s Change of Heart
As Gravenberch’s Bayern stint faltered, another young midfield star was making waves: Jude Bellingham. Liverpool’s pursuit of the Dortmund prodigy dominated headlines, but financial constraints saw them withdraw from the race. Enter Gravenberch, a long-term target who suddenly became a more viable option.
Klopp’s Influence and Gravenberch’s Anfield Arrival
Jurgen Klopp’s personal touch proved pivotal in convincing Gravenberch to make the switch to Merseyside. The Dutch international signed a five-year deal, with Klopp’s faith and guidance helping him adapt to the rigors of the Premier League.
Jurgen kept his end of the bargain. He would put his arm around Ryan when he needed it, which is important for a young player who doesn’t have a lot of confidence.
– Ryan Gravenberch Sr.
Slot’s Arrival and a New Role
The appointment of Arne Slot as Liverpool’s new manager in 2024 marked a turning point in Gravenberch’s Anfield career. Slot’s tactical acumen and faith in the young Dutchman saw him transition from a traditional No. 8 to a deep-lying playmaker, a role he had excelled in at Ajax.
Being in England now, Ryan has Slot almost as a father figure. I think he’s a player who needs that extra 2% to feel confident of the coach and Slot seems to be doing a really great job with him.
– Peter van der Veen
From Understudy to Main Man
Gravenberch’s performances in his new role have been nothing short of revelatory. His ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and launch Liverpool’s devastating counterattacks has seen him emerge as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.
As Liverpool prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, with Gravenberch set to go head-to-head with Bellingham once more, his journey serves as a reminder that in football, as in life, the path to success is rarely straightforward. But with talent, perseverance, and the right guidance, even the most winding roads can lead to greatness.
