InterviewRyan Gravenberch raring for second chance to shine at 'Anfield South'

The midfielder started the Carabao Cup showpiece at Wembley against Chelsea last February, but his involvement in the fixture lasted only 28 minutes as he was forced off due to an injury.

His early withdrawal added to a raft of senior fitness issues prior to the match, but the Reds successfully leant on their Academy ranks to clinch a 10th League Cup triumph.

Virgil van Dijk's match-winning header in extra-time sealed a stunning victory, which proved to be Jürgen Klopp's final piece of silverware as manager.

With Liverpool back in the final under Arne Slot this Sunday afternoon, Gravenberch is especially keen on making up for his lost chance in this year's edition against Newcastle United.

• Latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate fitness from Arne Slot

"How do they call it? Anfield South? It's really nice to go there again," Gravenberch told Liverpoolfc.com.

"I had a cut through my ankle [during the 2024 final]. I was in so much pain. I wanted to go further, but in the end the doc said no.

"Of course [it was a disappointment]. Especially because it was my first game at Wembley as well [and] my first final. To go out after 28 minutes was really disappointing for myself.

"I went in and after I put some ice on my ankle I went out to support the boys, I was really happy. I enjoyed that moment a lot. It was really nice."

Klopp called upon a number of Academy graduates that day to help drive the Reds to a hard-fought 1-0 result after 120 minutes of play.

The likes of Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jayden Danns and Jarell Quansah all featured during the course of the clash with the Blues.

"I don't know how many young players we played with in that game," Gravenberch continued. "I think it was almost half of the team. Then you see what this team is capable of - with the young players you can achieve something and that's really nice.

"Obviously in training they give everything when they train with us. They are always there when we need them and also in the final against a good Chelsea side, they showed themselves. It's really nice."

Gravenberch himself is enjoying an impressive campaign in the heart of midfield under new boss Slot, making 40 appearances - all from the start - across all competitions so far this season.

"There were a couple of changes," said the No.38. "In position and in minutes - almost everything. I'm really happy that I'm here now.

"I'm feeling good. I set a few goals for myself that I wanted to achieve this season and one of the goals was playing more and becoming a starting XI player for Liverpool. I'm really happy that it is [the case] now."

Newcastle provide the opposition in this season's final and Gravenberch expects another tough test if the Reds are to successfully defend their crown.

"We know they have a really good team - and it will be a really tough game," he explained.

"You saw it also in the away game against them [in the Premier League]. But we have to prepare well, and I think we have also a really strong team, so we will see."

• Carabao Cup final: Go to LFCTV GO for exclusive pre-match build-up, live audio commentary of the game and the full match replay