Former Bayern Munich technical director praises Gravenberch: ‘We saw exactly what he is showing now’ | OneFootball

Marco Neppe has fond memories of Ryan Gravenberch. The former Bayern Munich technical director revealed this to Sky Sports when the conversation turned to the Dutchman’s newfound status as a Premier League winner with Liverpool.

The 38-year-old Neppe was technical director at the Bavarian club between 2021 and 2024. After a year of service, he was involved in the deal between Der Rekordmeister and Ajax to sign Gravenberch.

Unfortunately, however, the Dutch midfielder was unable to secure a starting place in Munich and left for Liverpool a year later following 34 matches for the Germans. He has now fully matured under Arne Slot on Merseyside, and played a major role in this season’s championship.

“I’m really happy for Ryan,” Neppe said. “He’s a special midfielder. When we bought him from Ajax, we were really 100 per cent convinced. And to be honest, we never doubted his qualities. We knew that one day it would come out. We saw exactly what he’s showing now at Liverpool.”

“Sometimes you need patience. His first season at Liverpool wasn’t easy either. It’s about momentum. There are so many stories in football about great careers that start with someone else’s injury. That they then take their chance. Look at Alphonso Davies, the start of his career at Bayern was because David Alaba and Lucas Hernández were injured at the same time. He took his chance. But it’s not luck. In the end, such players always show how good they are.”

In Liverpool, Gravenberch emerged as a driving force in midfield this season. He started 34 games and provided four assists in those matches.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield