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 over a Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch transfer grew

Rafael van der Vaart thinks Ryan Gravenberch is better than Jude Bellingham amid Liverpool links

Speculation surrounding the Dutchman has grown after representatives of the 20-year-old reportedly met with the Reds to discuss a possible summer transfer. Recent reports suggest Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen to meet the Bayern Munich midfielder’s salary demands.

Gravenberch has made 18 Bundesliga appearances this season, with just 4% coming in the guise of Julian Nagelsmann and then Thomas Tuchel – after the former Chelsea manager took over for the young German following his dismissal. Liverpool, meanwhile, have decided to tone down their interest in the Borussia Dortmund starlet after his longtime admiration.

The Reds face a busy summer as they need to sign several midfielders in the next transfer window. Their ambitions were reassessed after chasing the England international but have now turned to other goals rather than spending a big chunk on a player.

But Van der Vaart, who played for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, believes Gravenberch is ahead of Bellingham when it comes to development, but insists his time would be better spent returning to his native Holland and being loaned out. former club Ajax.

“What I think is the big difference (between the two players); Bellingham is a step down at a club and still playing,” Van der Vaart told Ziggo Sport. “I think Gravenberch is better than him in every way. Especially physical.

“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.”

Also…

Trent Alexander-Arnold agrees with Gary Lineker while Luis Diaz’s momentum speaks volumes

Trent Alexander-Arnold was a guiding light for Liverpool who hammered six against a subpar Leeds side on Monday night, with the right-back enjoying his new role under Jurgen Klopp

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stellar performance on Monday night in Leeds was met with a full-time bear hug from Luis Diaz.
The Liverpool right-back enjoys a more advanced role, which he enjoyed when the Reds struck six times at relegation-threatened Leeds at Elland Road. Jurgen Klopp’s side scored four second-half goals in a 6-1 win with Alexander-Arnold being particularly influential.

The England star had more than 140 touches and was able to demonstrate his passing agility as he dictated the game. Alexander-Arnold’s greatest strength has long been his quality in the opposition half and his position, coupled with Leeds’ poor defence, has enabled him to excel. Diaz, who was on the bench when he returned from a long injury, was impressed as he hugged the 24-year-old. Gary Lineker was equally impressed, saying on social media: “He’s been saying it for years: I’d love to see @TrentAA play regular midfield. It’s the position he grew up in. Play to your strengths .

Alexander-Arnold graduated from the club’s academy as a midfielder before moving to full-back to improve his first-team chances. His lack of experience in a back four was regularly evident but Klopp held on to the job for a long time. The German was highly praised for his effort at Yorkshire: ‘He also won the ball back for the first goal from that position and really came out – that was good. Yes, impressive. I think the highlight was also when the last.” passes [his assist for Nunez], but he’s had others from that position. Wherever Trent is [on the pitch], he can be decisive with his passing. It was very often for us, it’s true, tonight was a good game, you could see he was enjoying himself.”

 Trent Alexander-Arnold was a notable artist in Leeds

Diogo Jota managed to end a long goal drought against Leeds when a guest from the club’s forward could join. The Portuguese star was out with an injury but has rediscovered his goal-scoring prowess in Yorkshire. However, Klopp still wants more from the former Wolves man: “Yes, [he] has been injured for too long, as has Lucho [Diaz] and that’s obviously difficult. Diogo has been involved in a lot of high profile moments. , got the ball back and lined Mo up first. Still, you can see there is room for improvement and there are a few moments where you can see the pace might not be 100%.

Liverpool’s next task is a home game against Nottingham Forest, who are also trying to fight relegation. Earlier this season, the Reds suffered a shock defeat at the City Ground.