Pep Lijnders knows Ryan Gravenberch could become “special player” at Liverpool – Liverpool FC

Pep Lijnders Reveals Liverpool’s Trust in Ryan Gravenberch as a Special Player

Ryan Gravenberch, the Dutch midfielder who joined Liverpool in a £34 million deal over the summer, has quickly made his mark at Anfield. Despite a disappointing season at Bayern Munich with limited playing time, Gravenberch has already scored two goals and provided two assists in his first 11 appearances across all competitions.

With Curtis Jones suspended, Gravenberch has seized the opportunity to claim a starting spot in Liverpool’s midfield, and his current form makes it hard to envision him relinquishing that position. Assistant boss Pep Lijnders is not surprised by Gravenberch’s performances, as he believed all along that the young player would be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Lijnders stated, “We were already highly impressed by Ryan’s performances at Ajax. That’s why the cup was so important for him, as every player needs game time to build confidence. We knew his potential and desired him for our team. Here, he comes with full trust and the right environment, which has allowed him to flourish.”

Lijnders continued, “His abilities are on display in the final third, from his elegant movement to his first touch and his ability to make key passes. The difference between a good team and a top team lies in how they dominate the game between the lines, and Gravenberch has all the qualities to be an outstanding midfielder who can score goals as well.”

Grateful to the owners and the scouting team for Gravenberch’s acquisition, Lijnders expressed his happiness about having an impactful midfielder in the squad.

Gravenberch’s arrival is part of a midfield overhaul that has given Liverpool’s engine room a newfound attacking threat. However, Lijnders mentioned that this was not a premeditated plan by the coaching staff. Instead, the unique profiles of each player dictated their approach.

Lijnders emphasized, “You can’t find new Fabinhos, Robert Firminos, or Hendersons. They are all unique. As staff, we must recognize their qualities and create a system that highlights their strengths, allowing them to enjoy their football. A happy player performs better. This season, we’ve found the right blend, and we must continue to uphold our values and principles while remaining open to new ideas.”