Manager Jurgen Klopp knew that new signing Ryan Gravenberch was getting tired in the second-half against Union SG in the Europa League.
It was big night for the Dutch midfielder as he scored his debut goal for his new club. Gravenberch joined Liverpool on the deadline day in this summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old even won standing ovation from the Anfield on crown while coming off in 79th minute. But Gravenberch was expected to play the full 90 minutes on Friday.
Meanwhile, speaking on the post-match press conference, Klopp suggests that Gravenberch was going to play the full game. He said :-
“We thought he might be able to play 90, we want to give him 90, but then we saw now he dropped a little bit and didn’t want to go there [with] any risks so that’s why we brought on Dom [Szoboszlai] for a few minutes.
“I think it’s really obvious how good he is, what a talent he is.
“He’s enjoying the situation, enjoying himself, that’s very important, [he] gets step by step all the confidence back, that’s really cool to see. He’s in the middle of the group, fits really well to the age group of the majority of the squad, so that’s really good. That’s only positive.
“[It’s] good. Everything goes in the right direction, that’s really helpful.”
After coming to new club, players need time to settle down. Gravenberch barely played for Bayern Munich last season and hence he need regular game-time to get back to full fitness.
Liverpool is aware of the fact he will get better with time. Klopp’s word can be a warning for Premier League clubs, as Gravenberch is ready to show his calibre.
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