Rafael Van der Vaart tells Liverpool that Ryan Gravenberch is better than Jude Bellingham in 'every way'
Liverpool had a long-term interest in Jude Bellingham but cooled their pursuit as speculation surrounding a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has gathered pace
Rafael van der Vaart believes Ryan Gravenberch is better than Jude Bellingham amid Liverpool links.
Speculation surrounding the Dutchman has gathered momentum after reports that representatives of the 20-year-old had met with the Reds to discuss a possible summer transfer. Recent reports have suggested that Jurgen Klopp's side would be 'happy to meet' the wage demands of the Bayern Munich midfielder.
Gravenberch has managed 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season with just four percent coming from offset under the guise of Julian Nagelsmann then Thomas Tuchel - after the former Chelsea boss succeeded the young German following his dismissal. Liverpool, meanwhile, moved to cool their interest in the Borussia Dortmund starlet after their long-standing admiration.
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The Reds are set for a busy summer as the need to recruit several midfielders in the forthcoming transfer window. Their ambitions have been reassessed following the pursuit of the England international but have now moved to different objectives instead of spending a huge chunk on one player.
But Van der Vaart, who enjoyed a stint in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, believes Gravenberch is ahead of Bellingham in his development but insists that his time would be better spent returning to his native Holland and on loan at former club, Ajax.
"What I think is the big difference (between the two players); Bellingham is a step lower at a club and always plays," Van der Vaart tells Ziggo Sport. “I think Gravenberch is better than him, in every way. Especially physically.
"Do you know what is most important when you go to a new club? The first two weeks. You have to show in every training session, every training game that you are a justified purchase," he added.
"It would actually be good for Gravenberch to go on loan to Ajax again. You just have to start playing football."
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