Ryan Gravenberch

Name in home country: Ryan Jiro Gravenberch

Date of birth/Age: May 16, 2002 (22)

Place of birth: Amsterdam Netherlands

Height: 1,90 m

Citizenship: Netherlands Suriname

Position: Midfield - Defensive Midfield

Foot: Right

Current club: Liverpool FC

Joined: Sep 1, 2023

Contract expires: Jun 30, 2028

Ryan Gravenberch is a Dutch professional footballer known for his role as a midfielder. Here's a detailed overview of his career and performance:

Early Career and Youth Development:

Born on May 16, 2002, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Gravenberch began his football journey with Zeeburgia before moving to Ajax's youth academy in 2010. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his potential early on.

He won the "Abdelhak Nouri Trofee" in 2018, an award recognizing Ajax's best youth talent, at just 16 years old. This led to his first professional contract with Ajax the same year.

Professional Career:

Ajax (2018-2022): Gravenberch made his senior debut for Ajax in September 2018, becoming the youngest player to play in the Eredivisie for the club. He scored his first goal shortly after, setting records for his age at the time. During his tenure at Ajax, he played 72 matches in the Eredivisie, contributing to three league title wins. His performances in the Champions League, including scoring in the competition at 18, marked him as a rising star.

Bayern Munich (2022-2023): In 2022, Gravenberch transferred to Bayern Munich for a reported €18 million fee. His time at Bayern saw limited starts due to competition in midfield, but he made notable contributions, including his first goal for the club in the DFB-Pokal.

Liverpool (2023-Present): Gravenberch moved to Liverpool in September 2023 for around €40 million. Under manager Arne Slot, he has been positioned more centrally as a No.6, showcasing a significant improvement in his game. He's had a strong start, starting every league and Champions League game in the 2024-2025 season, with one assist recorded. His performances have been lauded, particularly in a new role that suits his playmaking abilities.

Performance and Style:

Gravenberch is recognized for his passing and dribbling, which are among his strongest attributes. His ability to carry the ball forward and create chances is evident, although his defensive work rate and aerial duels are areas for improvement. His stats show high pass accuracy and involvement in play, with his recent form under Slot highlighting his potential as a central figure in Liverpool's midfield.

International Career:

Gravenberch has represented the Netherlands at various youth levels and made his senior debut in March 2021. He was part of the Dutch squad for UEFA Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, indicating his importance to the national team.

Personal and Cultural Impact:

With dual heritage from Suriname, Gravenberch adds to the diversity within football, bringing different cultural perspectives to the clubs he's played for. His brother, Danzell Gravenberch, is also a professional footballer, adding a familial legacy to his career path.

Current Status and Future Prospects:

At Liverpool, Gravenberch is seen as a vital part of the squad, with expectations that he will only improve with time and experience in a more defined role. His journey from a talented youngster at Ajax to a key player in one of the world's top clubs illustrates his potential to be a significant figure in football for years to come.