Ryan Gravenberch the Liverpool midfielder has continued to make steady progress since arriving at Liverpool, with former Red Sammy Lee offering high praise for the Dutchman’s performances.
The 23-year-old has long been regarded as a bright talent. His early career at Ajax saw him impress in both domestic and European competitions, performances which earned him a high-profile move to Bayern Munich.
However, his time in Germany proved challenging, with Gravenberch managing just 24 Bundesliga appearances during the 2022/23 season. Seeking a new challenge, he made the leap to the Premier League with Liverpool.
Gravenberch’s debut season at Anfield was solid, though far from flawless. He featured 26 times in the Premier League but often found himself in and out of the starting XI. That changed with the arrival of Arne Slot, who deployed the Dutchman in a deeper role more suited to his skillset.
The move paid off, as Gravenberch went on to appear in all but one of Liverpool’s league matches last season, drawing glowing comments from former Liverpool midfielder Sammy Lee.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Lee said:
“Gravenberch has been fantastic. Like a lot [of the Liverpool players], they have had a little bit of a dip of late. Maybe nerves have taken over because they are so close. But he has been fantastic.
“That may be his natural evolution because it’s his second year in the team. [But] Arne has given him that freedom. And when you see him glide past people, it’s great to see.
“Fantastic.”
?? "Ryan Gravenberch has been fantastic this season."
Sammy Lee talks how much the Liverpool midfielder has improved this season.#NoTippyTappyFootballpic.twitter.com/gRT2Xs4cRR
— No Tippy Tappy Football (@NoTippyTappyPod) April 21, 2025
Liverpool number 38 has carried that form into the current season, starting eight matches across all competitions. His standout performance so far came in the Merseyside derby at Anfield, where he scored the opener and assisted Hugo Ekitike for the second, helping Liverpool secure a vital victory over Everton.
Since that high point, however, the midfielder has faced a more challenging run. Liverpool suffered consecutive defeats against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, with Gravenberch unable to replicate the same level of influence on the pitch.
The setback continued during the recent international break when the Netherlands comfortably defeated Finland, though Gravenberch picked up a minor hamstring injury. Thankfully, it is expected to be a short-term issue, and the midfielder will be hoping to return quickly to guide his side back to winning ways.
The 23-year-old journey with the reigning champions reflects a player steadily finding his place under Slot’s guidance. With freedom to express himself in midfield and the trust of his manager, the Dutchman is beginning to show glimpses of the dynamic midfielder Liverpool were hoping to sign. Additionally with praise from former stars like Sammy Lee reinforcing his progress, the Reds will be counting on Gravenberch to continue developing as a key figure in their push for success this season.
