Clarence Seedorf proven right about Liverpool star as impact becomes clear
Latest Liverpool news and gossip as Clarence Seedorf has been proved right after his recent comments about Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Clarence Seedorf appears to have been proven right after his comments about Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch. The Netherlands international has been a mainstay in the Reds midfield this season and has earned plenty of positive remarks for his performances.
Head coach Arne Slot has handed starts to Gravenberch in all six of Liverpool's matches in all competitions this term. The midfielder has also played the full 90 minutes in each of those fixtures, including two more sets of 90 for the Netherlands while on international duty earlier this month.
Gravenberch followed in Seedorf's footsteps by becoming the youngest player since the former midfielder to make his debut for Ajax at the age of 16 back in 2018. Six years on, Gravenberch is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Liverpool, and Seedorf has twice spoken about his compatriot since the move to Anfield.
Liverpool signed Gravenberch from Bayern Munich in 2023 in a deal worth up to £40 million. Weeks after the move was completed, Seedorf tipped the new Reds signing to achieve great things while on Merseyside.
"Everybody is unique, Ryan started early, he is one who broke my record at Ajax as the youngest player to make his debut that comes with great responsibility," Seedorf told FUTBin in September 2023.
"He's on the way, I believe in him, I think he can make a great career. Just let him take his path, everyone has their own destiny."
A year later, and Seedorf is once again praising Gravenberch, this time with the improvements that have been made in the 12 months as a Liverpool player. Seedorf was asked about Gravenberch's improved form after watching the midfielder in action against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this month.
"He [Gravenberch] was signed before this coach [Slot] came in. So I think that Jurgen Klopp and the club definitely believe in Gravenberch," Seedorf told Amazon Prime after Liverpool's win over Milan.
"He needed that year of transition, as well, he came from a difficult season at Bayern Munich. I think that Liverpool was preparing him for what we are seeing now.
"He had a lot of moments in a match last year. And it's not easy for anybody - even experienced players - to change a team, club, country, everything, and immediately fit in.
"So what we are seeing is hopefully the start of this great talent. [I hope] he will be shining for many years."