14 November 2023 , 06:00
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Liverpool star Ryan Gravenberch has been told that he is no longer being “punished” despite being not called up by the Netherlands.
The midfielder made a controversial decision shortly after arriving at Anfield from German giants Bayern Munich to reject a call-up to the Dutch under-21 side in September in order to focus on his early adaptation period on Merseyside.
That left many in the Dutch FA furious, including senior boss Ronald Koeman who was not particularly happy with Gravenberch’s decision. That saw the former Ajax star left out of the side last month, while he has not returned to contention for the final international break of 2023.
Netherlands' under-21 coach Michael Reiziger has offered his view on the current situation. He has explained that he was keen to stick with the group already at his disposal but has not totally ruled out a recall for Gravenberch in the future.
Speaking with Voetbal International, he said: “I felt it was important to stick with this group as much as possible. Because you are together for three short consecutive periods anyway.
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"That’s when the style of play becomes a bit clearer. So then you don’t want to change too much. This is no longer a punishment, or anything. Not at all. That’s already behind us.”
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Reiziger added: “During the next international period, in March, you will of course look again. Then you don’t know at all whether he is still eligible for the youngsters, or the Dutch national team. Because he plays very good games at Liverpool. That’s only very good.”
Reiziger’s assessment is not too dissimilar to that of Koeman. The ex-Everton and Barcelona boss revealed his unhappiness with Gravenberch’s decision but hopes to be able to call on him in the future.
He said: “We do have a certain opinion about cancelling for the Dutch juniors or the Dutch national team. But I don't think he has played much yet. Last Thursday there was a competition.”
“I still think he is a great talent,” Koeman added. “I hope he can develop at Liverpool and play more, because then he will always be a player for the Dutch national team.”
Since then, the 21-year-old has gone on to establish himself as a very useful player for Liverpool. He has made 12 appearances for the Reds and has two goals and as many assists to his name - already double his contributions during his only season with Bayern Munich.
He will hope to earn more action after the international break. Of his seven outings in the Premier League, only three of those have been starts.