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Rafael van der Vaart says he ‘wanted to go home’ after seeing what Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch did for Netherlands
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has begun the 2024-25 campaign in scintillating form for club and country.
The Dutchman has started each of the Reds’ three Premier League games under Arne Slot and has made the number six position his own.
For the Netherlands, it’s been more of the same for Gravenberch, who impressed at the heart of the midfield as they romped to a 5-2 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Against Germany, the Liverpool midfielder was once again at the top of his game as he notched up the assist for Tijjani Reijnders’ opener in the 2-2 draw.
And Rafael van der Vaart believes Gravenberch did something against Germany that absolutely took his breath away.
Rafael van der Vaart wowed by what Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch did vs Germany
Gravenberch made his presence felt as he imposed himself on the German midfield, but one particular moment stood out to Van der Vaart.
When the ball dropped to him well inside his own half, Gravenberch picked out a long ball with incredible precision, although the Netherlands failed to make the most of his outrageous pick-out.
“That pass by Ryan Gravenberch – I actually wanted to go home after he gave that pass because it ain’t going to get any more beautiful than that,” van der Vaart said on Dutch television at halftime (quotes via ).
Van der Vaart once claimed Gravenberch was better than Jude Bellingham
Van der Vaart is clearly a big fan of Gravenberch.
Last season, he claimed Gravenberch was a better player than Jude Bellingham, who was also linked with a move to Liverpool before moving to Real Madrid.
While that was certainly an outrageous claim from the Dutchman, it’s clear to see why he holds his compatriot in such high regard.
Ahead of the international break, Ronald Koeman suggested Gravenberch still has a lot to improve for fans and pundits to change their wider perception of him.
Judging by his recent displays, the 22-year-old is eager to prove his doubters wrong and is playing some of the best football of his career.
Liverpool and the Netherlands will hope Gravenberch’s fine form continues well into the new season, while the player himself will be keen to avoid injuries to carry on in the same vein.