Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was criticized when he decided not to join the Dutch U21 team because he wanted to spend time getting acquainted with the new team Liverpool.
Ryan Gravenberch is one of Liverpool’s new recruits this summer. The Dutch player joined the Anfield team with a contract worth 35 million pounds and a 5-year term. At the new team, Gravenberch will wear shirt number 38.
The Dutch midfielder has not yet made his Liverpool debut and will have to wait until the national team training period ends to play his first match for his new team. Gravenberch also confirmed that he will not join the Dutch U21 team but will stay at the club to practice to get used to the new team.
The Dutch Football Federation’s homepage said the Liverpool midfielder discussed with coach Michael Reiziger about not joining the national team this time. The Netherlands U21 is about to have a match within the 2025 European U21 qualifiers and Gravenberch is the chosen one.
With Gravenberch refusing to join the Dutch U21 team, coach Michael Reiziger had to call up additional player Fedde de Jong from SC Cambuur. Liverpool’s rookie decision made the Dutch U21 Board of Directors and the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) very unhappy.
The Dutch U21 coach warned Gravenberch about his future playing opportunities. He said: “I don’t think it was a wise decision for Gravenberch and I told him about this. When wearing the national team shirt, every player will have to play with all his heart and not just anything.” isn’t it the head?
Therefore, every player must desire to contribute to the national team. I know Ryan, he is a precious person, but this time he made the wrong choice.”
Gravenberch has made 11 appearances for the Netherlands national team, scoring 1 goal. But this player is still eligible to play for the Netherlands U21 this year.