Arne Slot told he already has midfielder who could be 'world-class' at Liverpool

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael van der Vaart believes Ryan Gravenberch has the potential to become a "world-class" player.

Liverpool recruited Gravenberch from Bayern Munich last summer and saw flashes of brilliance from the Dutchman during his debut campaign on Merseyside.

Gravenberch made a total of 38 appearances for the Reds in 2023/24, scoring four times and providing two assists for team-mates, and will be hoping to build on the experiences of his maiden campaign as he prepares for his second season at Anfield.

The arrival of fellow Dutchman Arne Slot could certainly boost his chances of earning regular game time, though competition for places in this part of the pitch remains high and could further increase this summer if signings are made in this department.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer stance on Florian Wirtz confirmed as £100m rumours intensify

READ MORE: 'He knows' - Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold sends Jude Bellingham warning ahead of Euro 2024

Encouraged by what he has seen from Gravenberch and confident there is plenty more to come from the 22-year-old, Van der Vaart told Sportskeeda: "If Bayern and Liverpool want you, then you just go. He really has the potential to be world-class. If you go from Ajax to Bayern and Liverpool, and you don’t play much, then it is better to choose a club where you know you will just make a lot of minutes. And he has not done that.

"But, in the matches he has played, you can see that he is really a (quality) midfielder. I think he is so good. His potential is incredible.”

It remains to be seen as to whether or not Slot is capable of helping the Ajax academy graduate take his game to another level, though it is clear Gravenberch is of the view this managerial appointment is set to have a positive outcome for him.

Explaining why he is excited by the arrival of the former Feyenoord coach, the Netherlands international last month told Algemeen Dagblad: “He is a coach who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see.”