Arne Slot’s appointment as the new manager of Liverpool has sparked excitement among the players, including Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder, who joined the Reds from Bayern Munich last summer, is optimistic about how Slot’s coaching style can benefit his career.
Gravenberch had an impressive debut season at Anfield, featuring in 38 games for the club. Although he hasn’t reached his full potential yet, he has shown glimpses of his immense talent. With Slot’s preference for attacking football, the 22-year-old believes that this style of play suits him well. In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, Gravenberch expressed his eagerness to work with Slot: “He is a coach who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see.”
Despite their shared Dutch background, Gravenberch revealed that he has never spoken to Slot, not even during his time as an Ajax player. However, the young midfielder recognizes Liverpool as a top club and hopes to continue playing for them for years to come. Gravenberch’s ambition extends beyond club football as he aims to secure a long-term place in the Netherlands national team.
Unfortunately, Gravenberch’s journey with the national team has encountered some obstacles. Shortly after joining Liverpool, he decided to skip the under-21 Euros qualifiers to settle in at his new club. This decision led to his exclusion from subsequent squads by both senior manager Ronald Koeman and under-21 coach Michael Reiziger. However, Gravenberch has now been given another chance to prove himself and is determined to make it to Euro 2024.
In a conversation with Koeman, Gravenberch clarified his commitment and believes that the issue is resolved. He said, “I had a conversation with Ronald Koeman, and I think it is closed. It will no longer play a role; otherwise, the national coach will not call me for this camp, I think.” The midfielder also highlighted the advantage of not being fatigued from playing every game, suggesting that his freshness could work in his favor.
Gravenberch has always felt that the national team had him in their sights, even before his move to Liverpool. He mentioned that the national coach visited him at Liverpool, indicating their interest in him. Additionally, with Marten de Roon’s injury, Gravenberch’s chances of being selected for the upcoming games against Poland, France, and Austria have increased.
If Gravenberch makes the final selection, he will join the likes of Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk in the Netherlands squad. This opportunity not only allows him to showcase his abilities on an international stage but also further solidifies his desire to establish himself as a key player for both club and country.
In conclusion, Gravenberch’s excitement about Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool reflects the anticipation among the players. He believes that Slot’s attacking style will complement his own playing style. While his journey with the Netherlands national team has faced challenges, he remains determined to prove his worth and secure a spot in the upcoming Euros. Gravenberch’s aspirations extend beyond his club career as he aims to contribute to the success of both Liverpool and the Netherlands.