Jan Vertonghen has admitted that he has been impressed by Ajax starlet, Ryan Gravenberch, who is alleged to be on Tottenham’s radar.
Gravenberch, who came through the ranks at Ajax’s esteemed academy, established himself as a regular in the Eredivisie giants’ starting eleven last season and showed plenty of promise.
The 19-year-old subsequently won himself a place in the Netherlands squad for the European Championship this summer, making two appearances in the tournament.
The central midfielder has started the new campaign from where he left off last term, impressing in the Dutch League as well as Ajax’s opening Champions League game against Vertonghen’s Sporting Lisbon, which Erik Ten Hag’s side won 5-1.
CalcioMercato reported earlier this week that Fabio Paratici is keen on bringing Gravenberch to North London and is set to challenge Juventus for the youngster’s signature.
The teenager has now been given the seal of approval from Vertonghen, with the former Spurs star naming the midfielder among the players who impressed him the most in Ajax’s 5-1 win at Lisbon.
The centre-back told Voetbal Primeur: “The first half-hour was incredible. I really enjoyed it.
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“What struck me? How good Ajax actually are. Antony is always a fun player to watch, Jurrien Timber is doing an incredible job, Devyne Rensch is a great footballer, Gravenberch… I can keep going.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The current crop at Ajax is quite similar to the group that made it to the Champions League semifinals a couple of years ago, where they were eventually stopped by Spurs.
I would expect a number of their top young players to be picked up at the end of the season if not January.
Given the strategy Paratici has pursued at Spurs this summer of going after up and coming talent, it does not come as a surprise that he has his eyes on Gravenberch.
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