Ryan Gravenberch ‘Desperate’ to Win the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool | OneFootball

Ryan Gravenberch Eyes European Glory as Liverpool Look to Build on Title Triumph

Slot’s First Season Lays Strong Foundations

Liverpool’s transition from the Jürgen Klopp era to Arne Slot’s leadership could have been turbulent. Instead, it proved transformative. In what was tipped to be a season of adaptation, the Dutch manager instead delivered silverware, character, and clarity. His calm demeanour and attacking principles have revitalised Anfield.

A Premier League title arrived sooner than most expected. And while the collective effort has rightly been applauded, one figure has risen quietly, authoritatively, and crucially — Ryan Gravenberch.

Slot saw in the 23-year-old what many had overlooked: intelligence, physical dominance, and untapped potential. Having arrived for £34.2 million from Bayern Munich, Gravenberch was initially a peripheral figure. Under Slot, he has become the midfield’s anchor and a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success.

Photo IMAGO

Gravenberch’s Champions League Ambition

Winning domestic titles across the Netherlands, Germany, and now England, Gravenberch has already carved out a résumé many would envy. But Europe’s biggest prize still eludes him — and it burns brightly in his ambitions.

As he told Numero Netherlands: “There’s so much I still want to achieve. I’ve been lucky enough to win league titles in the Netherlands, Germany, and England, but as a player, you’re always chasing more. That hunger never goes away, and I feel that every day.

“I’m only 23, so I know there are many years ahead, and big moments still to come. Winning the Champions League is a massive dream of mine, that’s one I haven’t ticked off yet.”

The words carry a resonance that fits Anfield’s DNA. Liverpool, crowned kings of Europe six times, are a club defined as much by continental nights as domestic ones. Slot’s men will enter the 2025/26 Champions League campaign as genuine contenders. For Gravenberch, it’s the next natural step.

Photo: IMAGO

Gravenberch’s Midfield Evolution

This wasn’t just a story of revival, but reinvention. Deployed primarily as a defensive midfielder, Gravenberch showed positional discipline while still offering fluid movement in transition. His ability to carry the ball through midfield, shrug off pressing opponents, and launch attacks from deep made him indispensable.

His contributions didn’t go unnoticed. Gravenberch was named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season — a fitting accolade for a footballer whose maturity belies his age. And, remarkably, at 23, he remains eligible to defend that crown next season.

With the imminent arrival of Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s midfield might lean even more into creative chaos. Gravenberch’s role will grow in importance as a balancing act — shielding the back four while allowing others to flourish. His understanding of space and timing will be vital as the Reds adapt to fresh attacking dimensions.

Dreaming in Red and Gold

Gravenberch’s hunger, coupled with Slot’s system, makes for a potent formula. The Champions League dream he holds is not just personal, it reflects Liverpool’s continued ambition to dominate at the very highest level.

With a solid domestic foundation laid, the next challenge looms. It is a competition that demands tactical intelligence, mental resilience, and a bit of the magical, traits that Gravenberch has begun to showcase in abundance.

Liverpool fans will believe again, and with reason.