Ryan Gravenberch claim made by ex-Man Utd star that 'Liverpool fans won't like'

31 October 2023 , 16:06

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Ryan Gravenberch claim made by ex-Man Utd star that 'Liverpool fans won't like'

Ryan Gravenberch's stock at Liverpool is growing - although fans of the Reds may be dubious about the comparison made by TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves.

After a summer-long saga, the Dutch international moved to Merseyside for £34.2million from Bayern Munich on the final day of the transfer window, having failed to establish himself in Germany. But despite a slow start under Jurgen Klopp, the 21-year-old is beginning to shine in England.

A commanding display in the Europa League against Toulouse on Sunday was capped by a goal in the 5-1 win. And having also been in the XI for the derby with Everton last month, his performance earned him a second Premier League start against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Hargreaves, who himself played for Bayern before coming to England, noted Jurgen Klopp rewarding his new star, telling The Kelly & Wrighty Show: "He has played amazing (in the Europa League) and because he has played well there, then he gets the opportunity to play in the Premier League."

However, the Anfield faithful may not be so endeared with what followed from Hargreaves, who added: ''He reminds me, Liverpool fans won’t like this, but he is Pogba-esque. He can do a lot of good stuff. He can play in a lot of positions. He has a great size. Great athleticism.

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“But I think he is one of those players you will need to specialise in a position, but so far, I love watching him. I am amazed he didn’t play more for Bayern because I think he is going to be a good addition to their midfield.”

Ryan Gravenberch was outstanding for Liverpool in the Europa League on Thursday (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Ryan Gravenberch better than Paul Pogba? Comment below.

Pogba joined United from Juventus in 2016 for a then Premier League record £89million fee. But his six years in England were widely perceived to be a failure, given the money involved and his previous reputation as being one of the best midfielders in the world.

And after returning to Turin, the French international now faces a four-year ban from football, having failed a doping test, with testosterone found in his system.

Ironically, Gravenberch was also touted to move to Old Trafford this summer, having previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax. But links cooled after the club signed Mason Mount from Chelsea and publicly pursued Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

Fraser Watson