The UEFA Nations League clash between European heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands proved to be an extremely entertaining affair. After a lot of twists and turns, both sides had to share points with a 2-2 draw but there was a lot of drama on offer in one of the most competitive games in the Nations League during the September international break.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch had an especially impressive outing at Johan Cruijff Arena, producing a wonderful assist for Tijani Reijnders’ opening goal. He also helped neutralize the German midfielders’ threat by winning key battles and showcasing a vibrant energy in the middle of the park.
What happened at full time?
After the match, the Dutch midfielder was involved in a rather sweet moment with Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic. The latter only came on as a second-half substitute to help his side seal a point.
Gravenberch was having a quick word with teammate Wout Weghorst when he saw the Bayern Munich midfielder approach him. The two shared a poignant moment, hugging each other and catching up like old friends reunited on the football pitch.
This sweet little interaction made Bayern Munich fans quite emotional, with some wondering how strong their midfield pivot could’ve been had Gravenberch stayed on to play with Pavlovic. But this moment has also ended up confusing quite a few fans because these two players have actually never played in a competitive match together.
How do they know each other?
Gravenberch was, of course, at Bayern Munich for the 2022/23 season before moving to Liverpool last year. But during his one (and only) season with the Bavarians, he never got the opportunity to partner up with the German midfielder.
Pavlovic made his official debut for Bayern Munich in the beginning of the 2023/24 season. That campaign ended up being his breakthrough campaign under Thomas Tuchel at Bayern.
But well before he started playing games for Bayern’s senior team, Pavlovic started training with them soon after signing a contract extension in May 2022.
Even though he didn’t make a senior appearance for them in the 2022/23 season, Pavlovic constantly trained and interacted with the senior team players and was even on the bench for a few Bundesliga games.
A Close friendship
It was during his ‘protégé year’ under Tuchel that Pavlovic also managed to get close to some of the younger players of the main team. That includes creating a special bond with Gravenberch, who is only two years older to him.
The pair hit off well in training, working with each other to improve their attributes and also being able to connect better with one another because of their similar age factor and as both like playing in that deeper midfield role.
The two midfielders also spent some time on the bench together for a few matches in the 2022/23 season, where they continued bonding and forming a nice rapport.
Unfortunately, however, Pavlovic wasn’t able to see play alongside Gravenberch as the Dutchman sealed his move to Liverpool ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The sheer irony of this entire situation is that Pavlovic has ended up being a like-for-like replacement for Gravenberch at Bayern.
He’s doing everything that the Dutchman struggled in the German team, excelling in that no.6 role to bring more defensive stability as well as helping progress play better.
Only time will tell if these two vibrant young midfielders ever get to play alongside each other at the domestic level.