Rafael van der Vaart says Ryan
Gravenberch is one of the Liverpool players that is on everyone’s lips these days, following his strong start to the new season.
Former Tottenham Hotpsur player and ex-Dutch international Rafael Van der Vaart has given very high praise to Ryan Gravenberch by stating he believes the midfielder is showing why he is better than a Real Madrid midfielder.
Gravenberch is one of the many Liverpool players that is on everyone’s lips these days, following his strong start to the new season.
The 22-year-old looks like a man reborn under Arne Slot. He has started all three Liverpool’s games under the Dutch coach, playing as the main defensive midfielder in a double midfield pivot alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
His performance in Liverpool’s 3-0 win against Manchester United in Old Trafford on Sunday was particularly impressive, drawing so much praise from several pundits.
Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman has also been impressed with Gravenberch’s start to life under Slot, and has rewarded his improvement with place in the national team.
Van der Vaart praises Ryan Gravenberch
And now, former Spurs ace Rafael van der Vaart has added his voice to the discussion, claiming he’s now being proved right after previously comparing the Liverpool man to Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
“I once said that he is better than Jude Bellingham, and I was rightly laughed at,” Van der Vaart told Studio Voetbal.
“But I have to be honest and say that he is now showing things that make me think; ‘finally’!”
The former Dutch international also claimed that Gravenberch’s success this season is down to Slot’s trust in him.
“It’s because he has a coach who has confidence in him and who simply puts him in the field,” the Dutchman added.
“He was everywhere (at Old Trafford), including that first goal.”
With so many games still to play, Liverpool coaches and supporters will hope that he can continue his impressive start to the campaign as they aim to taste success during Slot’s debut campaign on Merseyside.
