Ryan Gravenberch is hopeful he is in Arne Slot’s plans and says he wants to stay at Liverpool ‘for years to come’.
The box-to-box midfielder has enjoyed a decent first season at Anfield following a £34million, deadline day move from Bayern Munich.
He made 38 appearances, helping Liverpool win the Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League in Jurgen Klopp’s final season in the dugout.
It’s a great turnaround having struggled to get game time in Munich, and he has been rewarded for his efforts with a place in the preliminary Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, alongside club teammates Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.
‘That’s why I’m satisfied with my season at Liverpool. I wanted to make more minutes and I succeeded,’ Gravenberch told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
‘I have played good matches, but also lesser ones. No, I’m not as tired as I am after a season where you’ve played everything. I haven’t played everything.
‘Can that freshness be an advantage? Well, I’m ready if you ask me. Anyway, first let’s be part of the final selection.’
But after the Euros, should he make the final squad, will come a fresh challenge for Gravenberch and his Liverpool teammates: impressing new manager Slot.
Aside from a few key players, it is not clear which Reds stars will be in the former Feyenoord boss’ plans, though Gravenberch believes he would be a good fit.
‘A top club, I hope to play here for years to come. And soon a Dutch trainer with Arne Slot,’ the 22-year-old added.
‘No, I’ve never spoken to him. Not even during my time as an Ajax player.
‘But he is a trainer who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see.‘
Given he has a contract until 2028, it seems likely Gravenberch will get his wish of staying at Anfield for at least a few more years, but for now his focus will be on making Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad.
Holland take on Canada and Iceland in pre-tournament friendlies next week, while in Germany a tough group stage of France, Austria and Poland awaits.
