"New Rijkaard" abandoned by Bayern has transformed into Liverpool s championship core

In the summer of 2022, when Gravenberg transferred from Ajax to Bayern Munich for £16 million, no one could have thought that this Dutch star, once known as the "New Rijkaard", would become a marginalist in the Bundesliga; no one expected that in just three years, he would be reborn in Anfield and become an indispensable "melodder" for Liverpool's midfield.

Today, Gravenberg is no longer the confused boy who is depressed and unsuccessful at Bayern. Under Slott's training, he not only regained his confidence, but also helped Liverpool regain the Premier League championship in the 2024/25 season, and continued his hot form in the new season, becoming the absolute core of the team's offensive and defensive transformation. The burden of genius: From "New Rijkaard" to "Bayern abandoned general"

Gravenberg debuted at Ajax youth training. He is tall and strong, comprehensive in technology, and active in running. He was highly expected when he was young. The contrast with the legendary Rijkaard is both a glory and a heavy burden.

In 2022, at the age of 20, he transferred to Bayern. However, the deal is widely regarded as "too hasty". In the highly competitive Bundesliga giants, he has difficulty getting a stable chance of playing. In the 2022/23 season, he made 24 appearances in the Bundesliga, but only started three times. The team's distrust made him gradually lose confidence, and he became a "future star" to a "dispensable" substitute, and even fell into self-doubt for a while.

In September 2023, Liverpool brought him back to the Premier League for £34 million. During the Klopp era, Gravenberger only started 12 times in 37 games, with a mediocre performance and failed to realize his talent. Many people think that he is another failed signing.

The turnaround occurred after Klopp left office and Slot took over. Slot originally planned to introduce Zubimendi from Bilbao, but the deal failed. He turned to Gravenberg, giving him a solid midfielder at the No. 6 position. The decision

completely changed the fate of Gravenberg.

In Slot's system, Gravenberg was like a fish in water. He is no longer a simple "destroyer", but an offensive and defensive hub. Last season, he contributed 2.4 steals and 6.3 regained the ball every 90 minutes, and his defensive data was comparable to that of the top midfielder.

Entering the 2025/26 season, Slot further unleashed his offensive potential. The effect was immediate - he has scored 2 goals in the first 4 rounds of the Premier League! You know, he didn't score a goal all last season. In the Merseyside derby, he scored the first record, helping the team beat Everton; against Burnley, he shot 4 times and created 4 opportunities, with a strong sense of presence on the offensive end.

What's more amazing is that his defensive hardness has not diminished at all. Instead of "sacrificing" defense for the sake of goals, he perfectly integrated the abilities of both offense and defense, becoming one of the most comprehensive midfielders in the Premier League.

The famous people praised him: He is the "determining needle" of Liverpool

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy said bluntly: "He is now the most important player in the team. Look at the game against Bournemouth when he was absent, the midfield was empty. As soon as he came back, the team immediately became different."

Murphy analyzed: "He can get rid of the ball under high pressure, handle the ball in a small space, and be good at dribbling. In European football, few people can pass and break through like him."

Van der Crane, a reporter from the Netherlands Telegraph, also believes: "Slott is the last piece of the puzzle of Gravenberg. He gave him confidence and freedom, allowing him to truly release his full potential."

Beringham? Van der Fate's "crazy words" may come true

At that time, Van der Fate said that "Gravenbeh is stronger than Bellingham" and was ridiculed by the public. But now, with Gravenberg's continued highlight at Liverpool, this remark is being re-examined.

Bellingham is certainly the pride of Real Madrid, but Gravenberg has a huge influence in Liverpool. He helped the team win all five games at the beginning of the new season, firmly ranked first, and also made himself the core midfielder of the Netherlands team in the 2026 World Cup, side by side with De Jong and Reindes.

From the abandoned "waste" to the indispensable "melodder". He proved that a player's success or failure depends not only on talent, but also on whether he meets a coach who understands him. Gravenberg's value is far more than goals and steals. He brought a rare balance to Liverpool - a solid defense, smooth organization and sharp counterattack. In Slott's hands, he is not only the midfielder, but also the "brain" and "engine".

If he can maintain this state, then Van der Fate's "prophecy" that year may eventually come true: Gravenberg, who is expected to become the most comprehensive and dominant midfielder in European football.