Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is eager to make his first competitive appearance of the season.
That opportunity is likely to come on Monday night when the Reds visit Newcastle United in their first away fixture of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
The Dutchman missed last weekend’s opener against AFC Bournemouth due to suspension and was also absent from the FA Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace as he celebrated the birth of his child.
“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling great,” the 23-year-old told Liverpoolfc.com at the AXA Training Centre.
“Obviously I couldn’t play the first Premier League game, so I’m happy to be back with the team.
“Newcastle are really good, we know it will be a really tough game for us.
“They are really physical, they are good in set-pieces, so we prepare really good for them and we want to show that we give our all against them on Monday.”
A Liverpool side without Ryan Gravenberch anchoring the midfield was a rare sight last season.
The Netherlands international started 37 of the Reds’ 38 matches on their way to the Premier League title.
He had to watch from the sidelines on the opening night of the new campaign against Bournemouth, but still relished Liverpool’s thrilling 4-2 victory, sealed by late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah.
“It was a really nice game to watch, to be honest,” Gravenberch said.
“I think we played a really good game up front and then after when Chiesa scored the 3-2 you saw the crowd, the atmosphere was just amazing. Also from the side it was amazing to watch.”
Gravenberch continued: “We analysed the game against Bournemouth, of course, and also against Crystal Palace. We knew what we had to do better. So obviously we train on it, we train on [being] in possession and everything.
“Also for the new players, they need time. Obviously they are starting now, so it’s a bit difficult to have a lot of time. But I think they are doing really great.
“The Premier League, it’s a different competition, also for them it’s a different country. They adapt quite well and I think they will do really great for us.”
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