From Bayern Struggles to Premier League Standout: Where Is Ryan Gravenberch in 2026?
Ryan Gravenberch struggled during his time at Bayern Munich, but later became one of the Premier League’s top midfielders as Liverpool secured the 2024-25 title. What is the current status of the Netherlands international? Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann shared his thoughts with GOAL, describing the 24-year-old as a key part of Liverpool’s system.
Early Promise and Bayern Challenges
Gravenberch emerged from Ajax's renowned youth academy, making a record-breaking senior debut at just 16 years and 130 days old, becoming the youngest to play for Ajax in the Eredivisie. In 2022, he joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, but only stayed a single season, appearing 33 times. Regular starting opportunities were limited during his spell in Germany.
Title Winner to Role Questions at Liverpool
Despite arriving at Liverpool as one of football’s brightest prospects, unlocking Gravenberch’s full potential proved tricky. Jurgen Klopp didn’t quite achieve it, but under Arne Slot, he was vital in clinching another Premier League title. He missed only one league game that season.
Last season, however, Liverpool’s form dipped, ending trophyless and finishing fifth. Questions arose about how Gravenberch is deployed, especially regarding whether he should sit in front of Virgil van Dijk to shield a vulnerable defense.
Hamann on Gravenberch’s Current Standing
"I think he's somewhere closer to where he was during the title-winning season," Hamann told GOAL, speaking with Betinia NJ. "He didn't get much time at Munich and missed the World Cup because of that. At Liverpool, he was sensational for a couple of seasons."
Hamann reflected on last season’s struggles, mentioning team tensions and injuries: "The Mohamed Salah saga created friction, and some expensive signings like Alexander Isak struggled with fitness. Hugo Ekitike showed promise, but Florian Wirtz couldn’t deliver consistently."
He explained Gravenberch’s role in midfield: "Playing centrally or holding, your job is to quickly get the ball to wingers so they can turn and create chances. If you delay, opponents close down space. Gravenberch can deliver excellent passes to Wirtz or Salah, but if they lose the ball or don’t capitalize, people question Gravenberch’s impact."
Hamann also noted that players like Cody Gakpo and Salah had disappointing seasons, which affected perceptions of Gravenberch's contributions. "If the forwards don't perform, it’s hard to see the value of those supplying them," he said.
Still, Hamann praised Gravenberch as a powerful player with defensive awareness and a sharp eye for danger. "If Liverpool want to return to their previous heights, which won’t be easy this season, they definitely need him," he concluded.
Looking Ahead: Liverpool’s 2026-27 Season
Gravenberch represented the Netherlands at the recent World Cup in North America. For the new season, he started Liverpool’s opener against Newcastle but came off the bench for 19 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. New manager Andoni Iraola is still assessing his squad.
Iraola will select a fresh starting lineup for Liverpool’s trip to newly promoted Ipswich Town. The Dutch midfielder’s steel might be crucial at Portman Road as Liverpool aim to build a settled system and get the best from their costly squad.
- Premier League Fixture: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
- Date: 4 September 2026
- Kickoff Time: 21:00
