Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes that Ryan Gravenberch ‘has everything’ to be a top player.
Speaking to Goal, the Dutchman, who played 286 times for Liverpool, says Gravenberch is doing ‘really well.’
“We have so many talented players in Holland, and Gravenberch is definitely one of them,” said Kuyt. “He’s doing really well at Ajax. He had a couple of games where he wasn’t playing, when Ten Hag was choosing other midfielders, but he’s coming back now and he is definitely one of the future stars of Dutch football.”
Despite rumours of a move away, Kuyt thinks that the 19-year-old should take his time when making his next move.
“Sometimes players leave too quickly, and these days it’s not too easy to make the step from the Eredivisie to the Bundesliga or the Premier League, or any big side in Europe, because the level of top teams is so big,” said the 41-year-old.
“But for me, he’s a future star and he has everything to be a great player for the next couple of years.”
How good is Gravenberch?
Gravenberch is one of the most talented young midfielders in the world at the moment. Liverpool are reportedly in the market for a midfielder this summer and the Dutchman should be near the top of Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist.
While the one year younger Jude Bellingham could break the bank for The Reds, Gravenberch would likely cost just a fraction of that price.
He already has bags of experience having played 98 times for Ajax since making his debut in 2018. That made him Ajax’s youngest every player in the Eredivisie.
When you think of some of the talent that has come through the ranks at the Dutch club, that’s no mean feat.
Gravenberch is also already into double figures for national team caps. He was in the Holland squad for last summer’s European Championships where he made two appearances.
Future proofing Liverpool’s midfield
Bayern Munich appear to be strong favourites to sign the youngster this summer. But Goal have previously reported Liverpool as being ‘fans’ of the Ajax youngster. Calciomercato have also reported interest from Liverpool in the past.
The Reds should take their former player’s recommendation and try to lure him to Anfield.
Gravenberch wouldn’t have to be a starter straight away and could ease his way into the team.
With fellow youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, he could form part of an exciting and incredibly youthful midfield trio for Liverpool.
The 19-year-old has already been a key part of a title-winning team. He has Champions League and international experience and is only going to get better.
Sign him up, Liverpool!
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