InterviewHow Ryan Gravenberch channelled his Wembley heartache into inspiration

The occasion was a joyous one for the collective – the Reds lifting the 2024 Carabao Cup at Wembley after a dramatic and spirited win.

However, Gravenberch, albeit delighted with the outcome of the final, was on the pitch celebrating with crutches and unsure what difficulties lay ahead for him.

Indeed, the midfielder's Wembley bow was cut short after 28 minutes, carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking ankle injury.

"I don't think it's a good word to use but I was just disappointed that I couldn't play further. It's still in me," he tells Liverpoolfc.com, gesturing to his heart. "I was really looking forward to it and also it was my first time at Wembley.

"When I got the kick, I wanted to play further. I said, 'Tape it, tape it and maybe I can play further.' But they said no."

Gravenberch had a lonely moment in the dressing room as the first half continued, joined only by the two medical staff assessing the issue. Devastated and his mind racing.

But he put those emotions on the back burner around the hour mark to make a hobbling entrance to the dugout and support his teammates from there.

The 21-year-old remembers: "I didn't really hear anything about what was happening outside. When I went outside, it was really crazy with the fans and everything.

"When I look at the game from the sideline, I had a really good feeling that we will win that game – and we did."

Virgil van Dijk's late extra-time header clinched that remarkable victory, giving Gravenberch his first winner's medal as a Red.

The injury certainly wasn't going to prevent him from savouring the moment.

"I was just happy and with adrenaline when we got the trophy," he says.

As it turned out, he would return to the pitch a little over a month later – made possible by trusting the expertise of the medical department and his mental fortitude.

The No.38 continues: "It's really important because when you get injured you just want to come back as quick as possible and to be there for the team.

"For me, it was like every day, day in and day out, working on myself and working on that ankle to be fit again."

With Gravenberch enjoying some sensational form in Arne Slot's side this season, his story can serve as an example of the rewards of patience and perseverance for youngsters.

Liverpool will wear special-edition shirts featuring the 'Futuremakers by Standard Chartered' logo for Sunday's Premier League meeting with Chelsea at Anfield.

Those jerseys will then be auctioned off for supporters to purchase at CharityStars.com/SCFM, with all proceeds going towards the Futuremakers initiative.

Futuremakers is a Standard Chartered programme that empowers underserved young people around the world to help shape their futures, teaching them skills to improve their chances of getting a job or starting their own business.

On his advice for the next generation, Gravenberch finishes: "For me as a person, I always have a smile on my face. I always give the advice to young people that when you play football just enjoy it, just dream and the other things will come.

"Just stay yourself. Just do whatever you want to do and whatever you have a good feeling with."

• Visit CharityStars.com/SCFM to bid on match-worn shirts from Sunday's game, in support of 'Futuremakers by Standard Chartered'