This season has been one of real progress for Liverpool youngsters stepping up to the first-team.
Jurgen Klopp has always been a manager who’s been keen to dip into the academy where needed. But this year has been a vintage one even for Klopp.
The likes of Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah in particular have really stepped up, while there have been a number of other breakthroughs besides.
But according to former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel, there’s another young player at the club who has possibly been overlooked.
Ryan Gravenberch backed to come good
Babel was taking part in the LFC Legends charity game on Saturday. Having played a half for both Liverpool and Ajax, the 37-year-old must still be feeling it in his legs.
Nevertheless, Babel took the time to sit down with the Liverpool ECHO this week to give his thoughts on the current crop of Dutch players gracing Anfield.
After praising Virgil van Dijk and backing Cody Gakpo to be a success at Liverpool, Babel also had some words of support for Ryan Gravenberch.
“I was really happy and pleased to see Gravenberch join last summer,” said the former Netherlands international.
“I think he needs some time to settle,” he added. “But once he does, I think he can be a great asset for Liverpool. We will soon all see his talent.”
With Gravenberch now back from injury and ready to attack the final stretch of the season, let’s hope his namesake is right.
Is Ryan Gravenberch fit to play for Liverpool
After being injured during the Carabao Cup final, Gravenberch hasn’t played for Liverpool for over a month now.
However, having returned to training just before the international break, the 21-year-old should hopefully be ready to go this weekend.
With other players jetting off around the world on duty for their countries, a spot may have opened up in the Reds midfield. It’s time that Gravenberch really grabbed that with both hands and proved the likes of Babel right.
For now, the jury is still slightly out on the former Ajax youngster. There’s a super player in there no doubt, but we need to start to see it a little more often than we have been doing.