Klopp praises Gravenberch: 'The best player on the field for a long time'

After his brief appearance last weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gravenberch was given his first chance as a starter by Klopp in Austria. The former Ajax player seized the opportunity by helping Liverpool to a 2-1 lead eight minutes into the second half. Díaz finished a beautiful attack from a cross by Gravenberch, who was substituted off ten minutes later for Mohamed Salah.

Gravenberch didn't seem to leave the field in perfect condition, but Klopp stated on TNT Sports that it was just cramps. 'It's not surprising, I think it was his first start in a while,' the German manager said. 'He did very well. He was the best player on the field for a long time, but you could see the frustration increasing in the first half. But he stayed in the game and had some good moments.'

Klopp felt that Gravenberch already had good chemistry with his teammates, despite not having known them for long. This was evident, for example, in his assist for Díaz. The Liverpool Echo also highlighted that moment, giving the midfielder, who arrived from Bayern Munich, a rating of 7. 'He started brightly and looked good going forward, especially with his burst down the right flank that led to the cross for the 2-0 goal.'

On TV channel Sky Sports, Gravenberch received an 8 for his debut as a starter. The Daily Mail, while slightly more reserved, still gave the newcomer a 7, accompanied by several compliments. 'He seemed to settle in immediately in the heart of a new midfield. He pressed well, was confident on the ball, and delivered a pinpoint cross for Díaz's goal,' the tabloid said about Gravenberch, who himself was also satisfied.

In an interview with Liverpool's official channel, the eleven-time international reflected on his first start. 'It was good, but sometimes I was also sloppy. I need to work on that, but overall, it went okay.' Klopp doesn't demand much more from him. 'He came to me after training yesterday and said I should feel free. Of course, I had to do my things, but I just had to be myself and show who Ryan is.'