'He will be a great asset' - Youngster backed to shine by ex-Liverpool star

Ryan Gravenberch has been backed to shine for Liverpool in the long term by compatriot and former Red Ryan Babel. 

The 21-year-old Dutchman was discarded by Bayern Munich last summer after only one season at the Allianz Arena. 

Liverpool won the race for his signature, with a fee of around £34m reportedly agreed between the two clubs. 

The Ajax academy graduate has endured a stop-start Anfield career thus far, starting only nine times in the Premier League and suffering an ankle injury in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea. 

Babel played alongside the youngster in Amsterdam and, having seen his talent close up, believes the Kop will soon see the best of the 11-cap Netherlands international. 

“I was really happy and pleased to see Gravenberch join last summer,” Babel told the Liverpool Echo. 

“I think he needs some time to settle, but once he does, I think he can be a great asset for Liverpool. We will soon all see his talent.”

Meanwhile, another Dutchman on Merseyside who is enduring a topsy-turvy season is Cody Gakpo. 

The versatile forward has come in for criticism in recent weeks, particularly after the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, but Babel is adamant that “great player” Gakpo will be fine in time. 

Gakpo is a great player says Babel

“In my opinion, Gakpo is a great player,” Babel said. 

“It of course depends on how Liverpool plays and who the opponent is, whether he plays as false nine or the left winger. He can play them both. 

“Also for him, it’s not easy to come from Holland to the Premier League. You always need a little bit of time.

“There are so many players I remember who weren’t immediately great all the time. That’s football, the Premier League is very tough. But once they settle and get the confidence, I’m sure they will be fine.”