Ryan Gravenberch heaps praise on ‘special’ Liverpool teammate | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch Heaps Praise on ‘Special’ Liverpool Teammate

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild under Arne Slot continues to gather pace, and few partnerships highlight that progress more than Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for a reported £116 million fee and, after a steady start, his recent form suggests he has truly settled into life at Anfield.

Wirtz has already contributed six goals and eight assists, numbers that underline how important he has become to Liverpool’s attacking rhythm. The Premier League’s intensity often demands patience from new arrivals, yet the signs in recent weeks indicate that he has adapted both physically and mentally. His ability to drift into pockets of space and create chances has given Liverpool a different attacking dimension, something that has caught the eye of teammates and supporters alike.

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest, Ryan Gravenberch did not hide his admiration. “You see the quality he has,” Gravenberch told club media. “He needed a bit of time to adapt, but you see now the quality that he has in terms of what he does — scoring goals, giving assists, creating opportunities for other players to help them score.

“So it’s really nice to have him here. He’s a special player.

“I think you can give him the ball and he makes something happen. I don’t think a lot of midfielders have that. We’ve got a good relationship with each other.”

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch on chemistry and creativity

The partnership between Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz reflects Liverpool’s emphasis on technical quality in midfield. Both players are young, both thrive in possession, and both appear comfortable taking responsibility in big moments. Gravenberch explained how their on pitch understanding continues to grow through constant communication.

“Obviously we are both young, so we kind of go along together, we talk a lot with each other and on the pitch the same thing. When I get the ball, I try to look for him where I can.”

That chemistry has been visible in recent matches, with quick combinations and forward thinking movement helping Liverpool maintain control of games. Under Slot, the midfield structure encourages rotation and positional awareness, allowing Wirtz to push higher while Gravenberch anchors the play from deeper areas.

Zidane influence on Dutch midfielder

While Florian Wirtz’s creativity has drawn headlines, Ryan Gravenberch’s development has also been shaped by inspiration from one of football’s great technicians. The Dutch international revealed how watching clips of Zinedine Zidane influenced his approach to the game.

“I’ve learned from Zidane just by watching clips of him, basically,” said Gravenberch. “I saw the confidence he played with… the composure.

“I like to turn in the midfield, for example, and he did this as well, so I tried to look at him and see the good things he did.

“Sometimes I want to take some of that as well, but I try to bring my own things to the pitch also.”

Those signature turns have become a familiar sight at Anfield, allowing Liverpool to break through pressure and launch attacks quickly.

Role under Arne Slot’s Premier League champions

Since Arne Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2024-25, Ryan Gravenberch has made the number six position his own. Alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, he forms part of a midfield core that blends creativity with control.

With his contract running until 2028, discussions over a future extension could emerge sooner rather than later. For now, Liverpool appear focused on building momentum, with Florian Wirtz’s growing influence and Ryan Gravenberch’s steady evolution pointing towards a midfield capable of shaping the club’s next era.