Ex-Netherlands striker questions if Ryan Gravenberch made the right career move

Ryan Gravenberch made a good start to life at Liverpool following his summer move from Bayern Munich. However, his involvement has tailed off in recent weeks and months with many beginning to wonder exactly what has happened to the Dutch midfielder.

This has attracted some criticism from pundit, and former PSV and Ajax striker, Wim Kieft.

As reported by Voetbal 4 U, Kieft believes that the midfielder, since departing from Ajax, has made no substantial progress in his professional journey, despite claims from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp that Gravenberch is an "incredible talent" with a promising future.

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Gravenberch bid farewell to Amsterdam in the summer of 2022, but his stint at Bayern Munich saw minimal playing time. Just a year later, the Dutch international made a move to Liverpool, where he continues to feature primarily as a substitute and in so-called 'lesser' games.

"It's the perennial story that everything coming from Ajax must be exceptional," Kieft wrote in his column in the De Telegraaf.

"Recent years have cast doubt on that notion, considering several players have lost their way after leaving Ajax. Donny van de Beek's failed ventures at Manchester United and Eintracht Frankfurt stand as prime examples."

Premature exit

In Kieft's view, Gravenberch left Ajax prematurely and wasn't ready for a club the size of Bayern, adding: "If you can't break through at Bayern Munich, why would it work when moving to Liverpool?"

The former Netherlands striker nonetheless believes that Liverpool did good business in bringing Gravenberch in.

"Such players are deemed worth the investment, even if they don't succeed. After a challenging season at Bayern Munich, Liverpool splashed out 40 million euros for Gravenberch. If he succeeds, it's fantastic; if not, they'll likely sell him for a reasonable amount."

However, from the player's perspective, Kieft argues that those advising him should perhaps have led him down a different career path.

"This is the reality, and those guiding Gravenberch should recognise it, questioning whether it's in the player's best interest to take on challenges at Bayern Munich and subsequently Liverpool."

While Gravenberch is currently out of favour, with Klopp preferring Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister in his engine room, perhaps the impending change of manager could be just what the 21-year-old needs to reignite his career.