Cody Gakpo Hails Ryan Gravenberch’s Stellar Liverpool Impact | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo Proud of Ryan Gravenberch’s Rising Star at Liverpool

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has voiced his admiration for teammate Ryan Gravenberch, celebrating his compatriot’s growing influence at Anfield. Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023, has made a stunning start to the season under new manager Arne Slot.

A Familiar Talent from the Eredivisie

Though the duo only became teammates recently, Gakpo was already well-acquainted with Gravenberch’s potential from their days in the Eredivisie, where Gakpo represented PSV Eindhoven and Gravenberch shone for Ajax. Speaking to Men in Blazers (quotes from the LFC website), Gakpo remarked, “We [the Dutchmen at Liverpool] knew Ryan already from the Eredivisie when he played at Ajax, and I think everybody knew already that he is this good.”

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch’s move to Bayern Munich in 2022 may not have unfolded as planned, with limited opportunities to showcase his abilities. However, Gakpo emphasised that his compatriot’s talent was never in doubt: “After, he made a move to Bayern Munich and maybe he didn’t play that much over there, but still everybody in Holland knew how good he could be when he was playing.”

Thriving Under Slot’s Guidance

At Liverpool, Gravenberch has found a manager who understands how to unlock his potential. The 21-year-old has adapted to a deeper midfield role, a position that Gakpo believes suits him perfectly.

“At the beginning of the season [Slot] put him in a slightly different position but he gave him the confidence to play there,” said Gakpo. “Ryan showed his quality at that position, grabbed his chance as well and turned out to be a good match. He is playing outstandingly for us this season.”

Gravenberch’s versatility and tactical intelligence have proven invaluable as Liverpool continue to compete on multiple fronts. With 15 starts in 17 fixtures this term, he has been a key figure in the team’s success, which sees them leading both the Premier League and Champions League at the international break.

Dutch Pride on the Global Stage

Gakpo’s pride in his fellow Dutchman is palpable, reflecting the camaraderie within Liverpool’s squad. “I’m very happy that we can see the Ryan we as Dutchmen already knew, but now he can show it to the whole world. I’m very proud of him,” Gakpo shared.

Gravenberch’s performances have not only silenced any lingering doubts from his Bayern spell but also positioned him as one of the Premier League’s brightest midfield prospects. For Gakpo, seeing his friend flourish on such a stage is a source of immense joy.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Gravenberch’s emergence at Liverpool feels like a masterstroke of recruitment. They’ve watched as he turned questions about his Bayern spell into resounding answers with dominant displays in a reimagined role under Slot after a year settling in under Jurgen Klopp. That deeper midfield position not only plays to Gravenberch’s strengths but also highlights his footballing intelligence.

Supporters will be thrilled by his ability to dictate the tempo, break up play, and glide past opponents with an elegance that echoes great Liverpool midfielders of the past. Comparisons to previous midfield greats will be inevitable but Gravenberch clearly has the potential to match up with them.

Gakpo’s comments reflect the mutual respect and camaraderie in the squad, and fans will relish the fact that their Dutch contingent is flourishing. It’s not just about individual brilliance—Gravenberch’s adaptability has been key in Liverpool’s success this season, allowing Slot to rotate his midfield while maintaining quality.

Ultimately, the feeling around Anfield is one of excitement. They see Gravenberch as a cornerstone for Liverpool’s future, a player with the potential to become one of Europe’s elite midfielders. His partnership with Gakpo, both on and off the pitch, symbolises Liverpool’s renewed strength and vision.