Ex-Premier League player Rafael van der Vaart has repeated his belief that Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch could become better than Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham.
Van der Vaart, who often makes strong statements since retiring, continues to back his fellow Dutchman Gravenberch. When both players moved to new teams last summer, van der Vaart said Gravenberch would make a big difference at Anfield after his last-minute switch from Bayern Munich.
What Did Van der Vaart Say About Jude Bellingham?
In an interview with Ziggo Sport, van der Vaart controversially argued that Gravenberch outperformed Bellingham, despite Real Madrid’s aggressive pursuit of the Englishman. "I think the big difference is that Bellingham plays at a club where he’s guaranteed game time, but I believe Gravenberch is better, especially physically," van der Vaart said.
In the 2023/2024 season, however, the fortunes of the 2 midfielders were reversed. Gravenbirch struggled to find form under Jurgen Klopp, while Bellingham thrived at Real Madrid, scoring 19 La Liga goals and helping his side secure both the league title and the UEFA Champions League trophy in a sensational debut campaign.
Despite this, van der Vaart remains firm in his stance. As Gravenberch has started the 2024/25 season strongly under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, van der Vaart told BetMGM, "I took a lot of criticism for saying Ryan Gravenberch could be better than Jude Bellingham, but I stand by it. He has the potential to reach the top, and I’m not surprised by how well he’s playing for Liverpool and the Netherlands this season.
Gravenberch has completed 90 minutes in each of Liverpool’s first three matches, with the Reds boasting a perfect start to the season. Slot's team will play Nottingham Forest on September 14 before starting their Champions League run against AC Milan three days after.
Van der Vaart thinks Liverpool fans should look forward to Gravenberch's future saying, He's strong, quick, and intelligent – a player who has everything needed to reach the top.
MORE
Luis Suarez Announces Retirement from Uruguay National Team
UEFA Cuts Ticket Prices for Away Fans in European Club Competitions
Haaland's Hat-Trick Powers Manchester City to the Top of the Table
Real Madrid's 2024-25 Champions League Group Stage Schedule
Complete fixtures and results for the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League group stage
