Gullit on Liverpool star: “He can become the most important man for the Dutch national team”

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit is impressed by Ryan Gravenberch. The Oranje icon who captained his country to the UEFA Euro 1988 crown thinks that the Liverpool midfielder can forge a similar path of greatness, becoming the most integral part of Ronald Koeman’s set up.

Gullit wrote about Liverpool in his column for De Telegraaf, with Gravenberch a key topic of admiration. “Ryan Gravenberch is the revelation of the season. He is fulfilling his promise as a top talent from the Ajax academy.”

“Bayern Munich came too fast and was too ambitious, just like for striker Joshua Zirkzee. After an adjustment period in Liverpool, Gravenberch’s qualities are fully appreciated under Slot. He can become the most important man for the Dutch national team.”

Virgil van Dijk was another Dutch figure to receive compliments from Gullit. According to the former Feyenoord, PSV, and AC Milan great, the defender has established himself well after a period of criticism.

“With captain Virgil van Dijk in the lead. After a difficult period and criticism in the Netherlands and England, he has recovered well.”

Another regarded in this vein, is Cody Gakpo. “Gakpo is often decisive for the Dutch national team with his goals. At Liverpool you see him getting better and more decisive every week. In the beginning, it was up and down. Starting again, then reserve again, but Slot increasingly positions his team in such a way that he can make room for Gakpo in the starting line-up.”

“(I’m) curious where Arne Slot’s masterclass will end. In any case, Slot is paving the way for Dutch coaches abroad.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield