Ronald Koeman has declared Ryan Gravenberch’s banishment from the Netherlands national team over, believing the Liverpool midfielder can continue his development and qualify for next year’s European Championships.
Gravenberch turned down a Netherlands Under-21 call-up in favor of taking the two-week period to adjust into his new surroundings after his £40 million switch to Anfield on transfer deadline day. This choice did not sit well with Koeman and other Dutch executives, who were opposed to the idea of renouncing your nation.
Gravenberch sat out in September and was also left out of both the senior and under-21 teams for the October internationals. Koeman expressed his displeasure with the ruling at the time, but in a new interview, he claimed that the banishment is over.
“That’s over,” Koeman said of the Gravenberch scenario, according to Ziggo Sport Voetbal. “Was his withdrawal understandable?” Maybe, but I believe he was able to get matches at the Dutch juniors that he had not before played in.
“Of course, there is something to be said for him being that way, but I believe that we at the KNVB should never be satisfied if someone does not opt out for a good reason.” I used to play football, but you have to draw a line somewhere. ‘We understand it a little bit, but we don’t think it’s okay,’ we told Ryan. You must come if you are summoned’.
“If he continues to develop in this manner, he will be called up to the Dutch national team.” I told him I wanted to do it as much as possible with the same squad in the upcoming international match.
“We will qualify [for the Euros], which means we will play practice matches in March and June.” He is a midfielder who, if given more opportunities, will undoubtedly be considered. That was already the situation at Bayern, but if you saw him not playing or coming on for five minutes every weekend, it doesn’t make sense to pick him.”
Gravenberch has now started more games for Liverpool in less than two months than he did for Bayern Munich in a whole year. He has two goals and one assist, demonstrating his potential and talent. If he continues to get enough playing time, Koeman will be able to evaluate his abilities before the summer.
