Analysis: He Can Become One Of The Best Midfielders In The World Under Klopp - An Expert’s View On Ryan Gravenberch

Jurgen Klopp has finally secured the signing of Ryan Gravenberch, a player he has been pursuing for some time, as the summer transfer window closed.

Gravenberch was initially linked with a move to Anfield before he chose to join Bayern Munich in 2022.

During his tenure at the Allianz Arena, the versatile box-to-box midfielder struggled to secure regular playing time, making only three starts and coming on as a substitute on multiple occasions.

Nevertheless, Gravenberch still managed to make 33 appearances across all competitions, contributing to two goals. In the current season, he has made a single appearance, coming on as a late substitute in a 3-1 victory against Augsburg.

He becomes Liverpool’s fourth new signing of the summer, joining Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo.

Klopp’s squad saw the departure of five senior midfielders, including Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who left Anfield for the Saudi Pro League. Additionally, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain departed on free transfers.

To gain insights into the type of player Klopp has signed, we reached out to German football expert Jasmine Baba, who shared her expert analysis of the Netherlands U-21 international with LFC Transfer Room.

Firstly, how is Ryan Gravenberch viewed back in Germany after just one season at Bayern Munich?

JB: In Germany, Gravenberch was viewed as a high-quality, talented player who, unfortunately, didn’t see as much game time as he should’ve due to the difficulties within Bayern Munich management at the time. Clashes between former coach Julian Nagelsmann and the player; with him not showing enough defensive attitude for Nagelsmann’s football and then with Thomas Tuchel saying that Gravenberch was viewed more as a 8 which he didn’t have within his system.

After missing out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, do you think he is the kind of player Liverpool need as Jurgen Klopp refreshes his engine room even though the 56-year-old brought in Wataru Endo?

JB: Endo is more of someone to protect the defensive line and progress the ball in a pivot position, whereas Gravenberch is a little more forward, attacking thinking and sits higher up the pitch. This means both Endo and Gravenberch could fit in the same starting XI in Klopp’s structure. Gravenberch would be more joining the double 8 position with Alexis Mac Allister and/or Dominik Szoboszlai.

Do you want to shed more light on some of the roles he’s played for Bayern despite struggling to make an impact at the club?

JB: He played as part of a double pivot, however, was not as good defensively and was better at progressing the balls forward for the offence and also played as a 10, which wasn’t his optimal.

Would you say he’s somewhat of a manager’s dream in that he’s versatile, selfless, and has a lot of quality?

JB: He is really versatile, but suits a team more when he’s further up the pitch. He is very effective in where he passes the ball, both low and diagonal passes, and therefore creates really good spaces to progress the ball. His defensive actions, e.g. duels and interceptions, higher up the pitch are better than protecting the back four, so in that case he can be very beneficial for Jurgen Klopp.

Finally, do you think he’s a player Liverpool fans should definitely be excited about concerning his age and potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world?

JB: He has both all the abilities and experience he needs to become one of the best midfielders in the world, granted he stays under someone like Jurgen Klopp, who is known for developing young players into world-class ones.

Read More Liverpool Coverage:

Analysis: He Can Become One Of The Best Midfielders In The World Under Klopp – An Expert’s View On Ryan Gravenberch

ByJoseph Agbobli