What Ryan Gravenberch did after assisting Luis Diaz goal shows truth about Liverpool transfer decision
Ryan Gravenberch made his frustrations at Bayern Munich well-known, during what would prove to be a solitary season in Germany, on more than one occasion.
Signed from Ajax last summer, the Netherlands international might have won the Bundesliga in Bavaria, but five starts in the German top-flight and Champions League, having made 33 appearances in all competitions last year, was not enough for the ambitious 21-year-old.
A long-time Liverpool target, a summer exit still seemed likely despite Bayern’s insistence otherwise when the two sides locked horns in pre-season. Featuring for just nine minutes in the German giants’ opening three games, the writing was on the wall.
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It would take just two games for Jurgen Klopp to hand the Dutchman what he had been so regularly denied in Germany. Starting the Reds’ Europa League opener against LASK Linz, even in a disjointed team performance after wholesale changes, it did not take him long to showcase his talent and demonstrate why Liverpool were willing to pay up to £40m for his services.
After a season on the fringes in Bavaria, you would have forgiven Gravenberch for being a little rusty and needing time to settle within Klopp’s ranks. Kicked black and blue by LASK defenders, it was equally understandable why he blew hot and cold in the first half of his full Reds debut.
Boasting an exquisite touch and always a threat when galloping forward with the ball, he linked up well with his new team-mates in the final third. A smart one-two with Harvey Elliott, who he appears to have built an immediate connection with, nearly led to an opening goal as space
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