'I took a lot of stick for my Ryan Gravenberch prediction - but I continue to stand by it'

Raphael van der Vaart is sticking by his assertion that Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is better than Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham .

Speaking last year, Van der Vaart suggested that Bellingham was only further on in his development than Gravenberch because he played for a smaller club than the Dutchman and therefore was given more game time.

At the time, Bellingham was at Borussia Dortmund and Gravenberch was at Bayern Munich. "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 told Ziggo Sport in April 2023. “I think Gravenberch is better than Jude Bellingham, in every way. Especially physically."

Since those comments were made, Bellingham has proved himself to be one of the best midfielders in the world at Real Madrid. Gravenberch, meanwhile, had an inconsistent first season at Liverpool last term but has started the new campaign in great form.

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Irrespective of Bellingham being brilliant during his first season in Madrid, Van der Vaart believes Liverpool has the best player of the two.

“I took quite a lot of stick when I said Ryan Gravenberch has the potential to be better than Jude Bellingham a year or so ago, but I stand by it," Van der Vaar said.

‌“I’ve always said the sky's the limit for him if he can use his full potential and ability, so I’m not surprised by how good he’s been this season both for Liverpool and the Netherlands.‌

“Arne Slot has found a spot for him in the team at Liverpool and he’s thriving – you just have to look at the pass he played against Germany on Tuesday to show this is a player who has everything required to go right to the top. He’s strong, quick and intelligent – Liverpool fans should be very excited about what’s to come.”