Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders has heaped praise on young midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, hailing him as a complete player with the potential to thrive at Anfield.
The 21-year-old moved from Bayern Munich to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, and his impressive start with the club has not gone unnoticed.
Gravenberch has already made a significant impact, contributing two goals and two assists in ten appearances.
After struggling in Bavaria, the young midfielder is playing with a new lease of life at Liverpool.
Ahead of the League Cup clash with Bournemouth, Lijnders expressed his confidence in the Dutch international.
Lijnders said (via Liverpool’s official website): “We knew what he is capable of. It is the Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax that we see now.”
The assistant manager also touched upon Gravenberch’s stint at Bayern, suggesting a player’s performance can vary based on their confidence and playing time.
He emphasised the importance of the League Cup for players who may not get regular first-team action, as it helps build confidence and maintain their edge.
“Ryan, in the final third, as a (number) eight, is the one who slides, the one who still has an overview, the one who has a first touch with his left or right to get out of a situation, out of proper pressure,” Lijnders added.
“He can keep the ball under high pressure and still find the passing option forward.
“He is a complete, complete eight with scoring and with attitude. It is the eight we searched for and the eight we got. We are thankful to our owners and our scouting, and everyone who made it happen.”
Gravenberch looks to have put his sour Bayern spell behind him and is now fulfilling the immense potential he showed during his developmental days with Ajax.
