Ryan Babel claims Liverpool have a 21-year-old prodigy who’s set to star shortly.

This season has seen significant progress for Liverpool’s youth players making their way into the first squad.

Jurgen Klopp has always been a manager who is willing to tap into the academy as needed. Even Klopp, however, has had a vintage year.

Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah, in particular, have made significant contributions, and there have been several other breakthroughs.

However, former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel believes another young youngster at the club may have been overlooked.

Ryan Gravenberch backed to come good.

Babel was participating in the LFC Legends charity game on Saturday. After playing a half for both Liverpool and Ajax, the 37-year-old’s legs must still be aching.

 

Nonetheless, Babel took the time to sit down with the Liverpool ECHO this week to discuss the current generation of Dutch players at Anfield.

After praising Virgil van Dijk and predicting Cody Gakpo‘s success at Liverpool, Babel also expressed his support for Ryan Gravenberch.

“I was really happy and pleased to see Gravenberch join last summer,” remarked the former Dutch international.

“I think he needs some time to settle,” he said. “But once he does, I believe he will be an excellent addition for Liverpool. “We will soon see his talent.”

With Gravenberch returned from injury and eager to assault the last stretch of the season, let’s hope his namesake is correct.

 

Is Ryan Gravenberch ready to play for Liverpool?

Gravenberch has not played for Liverpool in over a month due to an injury sustained during the Carabao Cup final.

However, after returning to training shortly before the international break, the 21-year-old should be ready to go this weekend.

With several players departing for international duty, a space in the Reds‘ midfield could become available.

It’s time that Gravenberch really grabbed that with both hands and proved the likes of Babel right.

For the time being, the verdict on the former Ajax youth remains uncertain.

There is a terrific player in there, without a doubt, but we need to see it more frequently than we have been.