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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Liam Wood

Erik ten Hag won't like Liverpool transfer deal for 'better version of Pogba' Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch remains on radar for Liverpool during the summer window as Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team work their way towards further midfield additions.

Having shelved initial plans to pursue Jude Bellingham - due to the financial costs involved - Liverpool then moved sharply to snap-up Alexis Mac Allister for an undisclosed fee. But who will join the Argentina playmaker through the door at Anfield before next season gets underway?

Countless names - including Gravenberch - continue to do the rounds on social media and beyond. The box-to-box midfielder has also been asked directly about interest amid question marks over his Bayern Munich future.

A year on from his move to Germany from Ajax on a free transfer, Gravenberch is far from certain to stay put there beyond the summer months. But what makes the 21-year-old such an enticing option for Liverpool or any would-be competitors for his signature? Here's what has been said about him previously;

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp preference clear as Liverpool look to get transfers done by July 8

READ MORE: Liverpool next midfield deal gets 'green light' as Xabi Alonso linked with huge job

Erik ten Hag, former Ajax manager

Speaking about the Netherlands international last year, his ex-Ajax manager Erik ten Hag - currently at Liverpool's arch rivals Manchester United - told German outlet Sport 1: "Ryan is a young player, but he's gained experience. He has already played over 100 games in the Eredivisie, he has played in the Champions League and has been called up for the national team.

"Despite his young age, he has already experienced a lot and, above all, won titles. He's very important for our team because he's a box-to-box player.

"He accelerates out of positional play, does good dribbling, has tremendous passing ability, and participates in the build-up play. Due to his athleticism and physique, he's also strong in the transition game and can also win the balls. He's come a long way, but can still learn a lot."

Brian Tevreden, former Ajax youth coach

During an interview with Goal, the one-time Ajax coach compared Gravenberch to Netherlands icon Frank Rijkaard and former United midfielder Paul Pogba. Tevreden said: "Physically, I see Frank in him from back in the day, because he's tall and very strong.

"But, technically, I would say he's a better version of Pogba in his best days with Juventus. In terms of his technique and his presence on the pitch."

Thomas Tuchel, Bayern manager

Gravenberch only started three Bundesliga matches in his first season with Bayern. However, after former manager Julian Nagelsmann was sacked, there could be further opportunities under Thomas Tuchel at the helm.

Tuchel said: "I see his qualities in training. It's hard to try things now [during a title race].

"He's training well. He's a No.8 who can turn and dribble very well. Now it's about being patient. It's about fighting to be there and he's a candidate to start, or to come on, during the game [against Hoffenheim].

Herbert Hainer, Bayern president

Amid suggestions Gravenberch would be open to another move, Bayern president Herbert Hainer told BILD: "In my opinion, he's an incredibly talented player. That's why we brought him.

"He got more playing time towards the end of the season. I'm sure he'll get more playing time in the future."

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