From Bayern despair to Liverpool brilliance – the rise of Gravenberch
When Ryan Gravenberch was the newest stellar young talent to roll off Ajax's prodigious production line, he had the label of "the new Frank Rijkaard" draped around his shoulders.
The burden of comparison to the great Rijkaard, who won the Champions League, European Cup Winners' Cup and five Eredivisie titles with Ajax – as well as two European Cups with AC Milan – was a heavy one.
When Gravenberch left Ajax for one season of struggle at Bayern Munich, there were fears that the rich and obvious potential the young midfielder possessed might not be fulfilled.
Instead, rescued by Liverpool in a £34m deal in September 2023, then nurtured by countryman Arne Slot after he succeeded Jurgen Klopp a season later, Gravenberch now stands comfortably along Europe's best in his position.
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