LIVERPOOL, England — Ryan Gravenberch don win di 2024/25 Premier League Young Player of di Season award as e shine for Liverpool‘s title-winning campaign. Di Dutch midfielder, wey just turn 23, impress well well under di guidance of coach Arne Slot, wey change am to play deeper for midfield.
Gravenberch no just dey shine, but e dey lead all Premier League midfielders for interceptions with 59, and e don win possession 189 times dis season, wey be di fifth-best for di league overall. E also rank second for passes and third for duels, tackles, and minutes wey e don play.
In his own words, Gravenberch talk say: “I am not naturally a defensive midfielder. I also like to drive forward with di ball. It’s been good so far.” E admit sey e need work to fit into di defensive role. “A lot of work, not only me, also di coach and di other players on di pitch,” e talk. “For example, Virgil [van Dijk], who helped me a lot.”
During dis season, Gravenberch don contribute four assists, making am valuable asset for di team midfield. E also make history as di only player wey dey for both Player and Young Player of di Season award shortlists.
Di Young Player award come from di combination of votes from di public and football experts. Gravenberch beat nominees like Liam Delap, Anthony Elanga, and William Saliba for di title. E be di second Liverpool player to win dis award since di introduction of di prize in 2019/20, after Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Dis season, Liverpool don clinch di Premier League title with four games to spare, with Gravenberch playing all 34 matches wey lead to dis achievement. He don show sey him dey contribute for attack as well as defense, making am a key part of di team’s strategy under Slot.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
