John Heitinga could unlock Liverpool’s $44m star who has left Jurgen Klopp pulling his hair out

Arne Slot’s squad continues to grow, with John Heitinga the latest addition to his Liverpool backroom staff.

The former Everton defender joins as assistant coach, most recently working under David Moyes at West Ham. He follows Sipke Hulshoff, Ruben Peeters, Aaron Briggs and Fabian Otte in forming the new coaching set at Anfield.

Since retiring in 2016, Heitinga has built up his coaching experience, spending a long time coaching at Ajax’s academy, where he played an important role in Erik ten Hag’s success, helping to bring in some of the stars who made their name. under the now Manchester United boss.

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Among those whose development he oversaw was Ryan Gravenberch. The midfielder has become one of the Amsterdam club’s biggest talents, winning award after award as he worked his way up to the first team – in 2021, Heitinga presented Gravenberch with the Johan Cruyff Award for Eredivisie Talent of the Year.

However, Gravenberch has found life away from Ajax a little more difficult since leaving the club in 2022. His opportunities at Bayern Munich have been few and far between, prompting him to make the $44m (£33m £40m) to Liverpool after just one year in Germany. .

The 22-year-old didn’t hit too hard on Merseyside either. There have been some promising signs, particularly at the start of the Europa League, but Gravenberch has found himself taking turns in midfield for much of his time at Anfield so far.

In fact, his performances have left Jurgen Klopp fuming at times. The former Liverpool boss was seen berating the Netherlands international during February’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, unhappy with his efforts in the build-up to Bukayo Saka’s opener.

After a summer in which Gravenberch traveled to Germany for Euro 2024 but failed to make a single appearance for Ronald Koeman’s side, it would be fair to say he needs a lift when he returns to training with Liverpool.

Heitinga could be just the man to help him rediscover the kind of form that got him connected to the best parts of the world while he was still young. He can do this by restoring what brought Gravenberch to everyone’s attention.

“I know how I want my team to play,” Heitinga said in an interview with The Athletic in 2020. “It’s Ajax DNA with a fighting spirit.”