Van der Vaart makes bold Gravenberch claim on talkSPORT – ‘I always said…’
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch’s impressive performances have clearly caught the eye of fellow Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart.
Liverpool underwent a much-needed midfield rejig in the summer of 2023, signing four midfielders – Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Gravenberch.
Gravenberch was signed on transfer deadline day from Bayern Munich for a reported £35million fee and was poised to be a huge success under Jurgen Klopp.
However, the former Ajax midfielder took time to settle into his new surroundings, largely coming on as a substitute rather than nailing a starting spot.
The dominance of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister hindered Gravenberch’s progress and a viable solution to accommodate all three midfielders was not found. It seemed that the Dutchman had hit a wrong turn in his career.
Gravenberch is flying under Arne Slot
Gravenberch has been highly impressive under Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The 22-year-old midfielder has already played 37 games this season, just two fewer than what he managed to play in the entirety of last season.
He has been Liverpool’s rock in the midfield, operating from the number six role. The former Bayern Munich midfielder has made a name for himself in the new role under Slot as Liverpool have looked much more solid and calm when he has been operating from the number six role.
Last season, Mac Allister was operating in the number six role under Klopp but the change of shape and system from Slot has propelled Gravenberch in that role, where he is excelling and producing better numbers than his Argentinian teammate.
| Stats | Ryan Gravenberch 2024-25 | Alexis Mac Allister 2023-24 |
| Tackles | 1.92 | 3.26 |
| Interceptions | 1.84 | 0.78 |
| Pass completion % | 88.9 | 86.6 |
| Passes in the final third | 4.21 | 5.61 |
Speaking to talkSPORT, former Tottenham midfielder Van der Vaart has made a startling claim about Gravenberch’s upturn in form.
He said: “Gravenberch, no I’m not surprised because I have to say that I think that Liverpool system and what Klopp did the basics are there.
“The new coach has come in and made some slight changes, it’s easier to fit players in. When he was playing at Ajax I always said the potential he has everything to be the best midfielder in the world.
“You never know, you can end up at the wrong club, Bayern Munich he ended up on the bench. You also have to be lucky, a Dutch coach came to Liverpool and put you as a starting player that has to do with luck at the end of the day he always shows how good he is.”
Liverpool marching towards the Premier League title
Under Slot, Liverpool have been operating in a different ballpark, marching towards the Premier League title with a 13-point lead over Arsenal. Manchester City’s faltering season has allowed the Reds to assert their dominance with minimal resistance.
Slot’s team continues to be the best team in the league and their healthy lead at the top is a testament to their continued efforts.
The Merseysiders are also set to play the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United on 16th March at Wembley. The Reds will be looking to lift their first piece of silverware of the season and also continue their dominance in the league.
Liverpool take on PSG in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League and will be hoping to go deep in the European competition after topping the group phase. Regardless of the outcome, this will be considered to be one of the most successful debut seasons by a Liverpool manager.