Rafael Van der Vaart has claimed Ajax starlet and reported Tottenham Hotspur target, Ryan Gravenberch, has ‘basically everything’ to become a top-class midfielder.
The 19-year-old central midfielder burst onto the scene last season has emerged as a key target for a host of clubs dotted around Europe.
Spurs were reportedly keeping tabs on Gravenberch earlier this summer, where it was said the club’s football director Fabio Paratici was looking to fend off interest from his former employers Juventus to secure a deal.
Gravenberch emerged as a dependable option in Ajax manager Erik ten Hag’s midfield last season, starting 31 of 32 games as his side romped to the Eredivisie title.
He has continued his form into the new campaign and has dominated proceedings in Ajax’s first two Champions League games, with his most recent showing coming in the 2-0 victory against Besiktas.
The performance at the Johan Cruyff Arena captured the attention of former Tottenham man and cult hero Van der Vaart, who believes Gravenberch has all the tools at his disposal to become a fantastic midfielder.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, he said: “Whether you’re sitting at home or watching [Gravenberch] in the stadium, he dominates.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“He’s big, strong and calm on the ball. He spins away and then has a gear and then another gear. He has basically everything.
“I also thought Gravenberch and [Sebastien] Haller played well [against Besiktas], everyone played well. In the first half, they didn’t give anything away. That is a pleasure to watch.
“The only thing he shouldn’t do, and I hope they listen, is take corners and free-kicks. I don’t know where they got it from that he can take them – but they should leave that to someone else.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Spurs have had a relationship with Ajax before, acquiring the likes of Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez from them in the past.
Gravenberch would certainly be a massive signing if they were to pull it off, but there is no doubt going to be strong competition for him elsewhere.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
