Ryan Gravenberch has last laugh as Bayern Munich's feelings on player emerge

Ryan Gravenberch earned the title of Liverpool's Merseyside derby day hero, having assisted Hugo Ekitike in scoring after netting a Premier League goal himself against Everton at Anfield.

The Reds triumphed 2-1, and the admiration for the Dutchman soared to new levels. The midfielder kick-started Liverpool's scoring at the 10-minute mark with a well-aimed volley following a cross from Mohamed Salah. Later, he delivered a measured pass to Ekitike, who took it in his stride and found room to slot past Everton's Jordan Pickford.

Gravenberch went on to play the full length of the derby, making more tackles than any other Reds player, showcasing just how comprehensive his individual performance was.

The national press were left singing praises about what they witnessed from the 23-year-old, who continues to play a crucial role in Arne Slot's team, having assumed his significant midfield position at the start of the 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign.

This signifies a significant rise for the player who joined from Bayern Munich, where he had been used sparingly, on transfer deadline day in summer 2023.

And according to reports, Gravenberch's performance has caused a wave of "regret" to sweep over his former club for their decision to let him go.

"Of course, there is internal regret over Ryan Gravenberch's exit from FC Bayern," Christian Falk explained to CF Bayern Insider back in May.

"The club knew what he was capable of, but he needed playing time (which he's been given at Liverpool) that he was never going to get at Bayern Munich."

Falk, speaking candidly, labels the decision to offload the midfielder as "haunting."

Virgil van Dijk spoke about Gravenberch, who is also his teammate at international level with the Netherlands, after Saturday's game.

He said: "He's unbelievable. He's very important to the way we play.

"For me personally, you see the amount of times I try to look for him [for a pass]. It benefits him, me, and the team.

"He's in incredible shape. He's in the form of his life. He has to keep going. He's still young.

"The expectation level will always be right up there and that's what he has to try to reach every three or four days. It's a nice challenge."

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