Cody Gakpo Praises Ryan Gravenberch’s Impressive Liverpool Impact
Cody Gakpo Praises Ryan Gravenberch’s Emergence at Liverpool
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has expressed his pride in teammate Ryan Gravenberch’s rising star at Anfield. Gravenberch, who joined the Reds in the summer of 2023, has made a remarkable impact under new manager Arne Slot.
A Familiar Talent from the Eredivisie
Though the pair are new teammates, Gakpo was already familiar with Gravenberch’s potential from their time in the Eredivisie. Gakpo, who played for PSV Eindhoven while Gravenberch shone at Ajax, told Men in Blazers (via the LFC website), “We [the Dutch contingent at Liverpool] already knew Ryan from the Eredivisie when he was at Ajax, and we all knew he was this good.”
Gravenberch’s move to Bayern Munich in 2022 didn’t go as expected, as he struggled for playing time and opportunities to showcase his talent. However, Gakpo stressed that there was never any question about his compatriot’s abilities: “He moved to Bayern Munich, and maybe he didn’t play as much there, but everyone in Holland knew how good he could be when he got the chance.”
Flourishing Under Slot’s Guidance
At Liverpool, Gravenberch has found a manager who knows how to bring out the best in him. The 21-year-old has excelled in a deeper midfield role, which Gakpo believes suits him perfectly.
“At the start of the season, [Slot] placed him in a slightly different position, but he gave him the confidence to play there,” Gakpo explained. “Ryan showed his quality in that role, seized his opportunity, and it’s turned out to be a great fit. He’s been outstanding for us this season.”
Gravenberch’s adaptability and footballing intelligence have been crucial as Liverpool push for success on multiple fronts. With 15 starts in 17 appearances this season, he has been an integral part of the team’s impressive run, which sees them leading both the Premier League and Champions League at the international break.
Dutch Pride on the Global Stage
Gakpo’s admiration for his fellow Dutchman is evident, showcasing the strong bond within Liverpool’s squad. “I’m really happy that we can finally see the Ryan we all knew as Dutchmen, but now he’s able to show it to the whole world. I’m incredibly proud of him,” Gakpo expressed.
Gravenberch’s standout performances have not only dispelled any doubts from his time at Bayern but have also established him as one of the Premier League’s most promising midfield talents. For Gakpo, watching his friend thrive on such a grand stage brings immense pride and joy.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Gravenberch’s rise at Liverpool is proving to be a masterstroke in recruitment. After a year of adjustment under Klopp, he’s transformed any doubts from his time at Bayern into powerful performances in a newly defined role under Slot. Playing deeper in midfield, Gravenberch has flourished, showcasing not only his technical ability but also his footballing intelligence.
Supporters are excited by his ability to control the tempo, break up play, and effortlessly glide past opponents, reminiscent of Liverpool’s legendary midfielders. While comparisons to past greats will surely follow, Gravenberch clearly has the potential to rise to those levels.
Gakpo’s praise highlights the strong camaraderie within the squad, with the Dutch duo’s success adding another layer of excitement for fans. Gravenberch’s adaptability has been pivotal for Liverpool, enabling Slot to rotate his midfield while maintaining top-level performance.
There’s a genuine sense of optimism at Anfield. Fans view Gravenberch as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s future, a player poised to become one of Europe’s best midfielders. His blossoming partnership with Gakpo, both on and off the pitch, embodies Liverpool’s renewed strength and ambition.
Source: https://anfieldindex.com/75350/cody-gakpo-hails-ryan-gravenberchs-stellar-liverpool-impact.html
