Dutch legend claims Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch is better than Jude Bellingham "in every way"

Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is better than Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham "in every way", according to Rafael van der Vaart.

Gravenberch, 20, joined Bayern in a £20m move from Ajax last summer but has struggled to make an impact since moving to Germany.

The midfielder has played just 333 minutes in the Bundesliga this season and is yet to score or provide an assist for Bayern in the league.

In comparison, Bellingham has played 2,345 minutes in the league for title rivals Dortmund, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

Despite those stats, Van de Vaart believes Netherlands international Gravenberch is the better all-round player.

"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.

"I think Gravenberch is better than him, in every way. Especially physically."

Both players have been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer.

Liverpool were set to rival Manchester City and Real Madrid for the signature of Bellingham before pulling out of the race for the England international.

Dortmund are expected to demand more than £130m for Bellingham - a price deemed too much by Liverpool, who have turned their attention to other midfield targets including Gravenberch.

Liverpool previously tried to sign the Dutchman before his move to Bayern and remain interested.

Arsenal have also been linked with the midfielder, while Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be a fan of the player – having previously worked with him at Ajax.

Van der Vaart, however, believes Gravenberch should turn down a move to England to return to the Netherlands.

"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," Van der Vaart added.

"It would actually be good for Gravenberch to go on loan to Ajax again. You just have to start playing football."

Topics: Football, Premier League, Ryan Gravenberch, Jude Bellingham, Transfers, Rafael van der Vaart, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan