Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has had a really tough time of things on the international stage in recent years.
Although he won his first cap as an 18-year-old back in 2021, Gravenberch has struggled to nail down a spot in the Netherlands squad.
He was even exiled from the U21 side after refusing to join up back in September 2023. Having just joined Liverpool, Gravenberch understandably waned to focus on getting settled in at Anfield.
In truth, although the 22-year-old had a decent first year with the Reds, he never truly did fully settle. Gravenberch’s underwhelming form meant he didn’t get an international call-up for the full season.
As a result, his selection in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad came as a bit of a shock. So too did a start for Gravenberch in Thursday’s friendly with Canada.
Dutch media give verdict on Ryan Gravenberch
Gravenberch must have become used to not starting games of late. He only began 12 games for Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
With Koeman likely to want to get a proper look at the former Ajax youngster before the tournament begins though, he was thrown in against Canada.
It must be pointed out that this was rather a second-string Dutch team. This was illustrated by the fact that Virgil van Dijk came off the bench for the very first time in his international career.
For Gravenberch though, it must have been a big moment. Beginning the game alongside former Liverpool man Gini Wijnaldum, it was the first time he’d started for his country since June 21st 2021.
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It sounds like he did a decent job, too. According to Dutch outlet AD, Gravenberch ‘seized the opportunity with both hands.’
Despite that description though, it is claimed that Liverpool’s No.38 still ‘seems far away’ from having a regular place in the starting line-up.
Not much else is really written about Gravenberch’s display except that to be in the starting XI at all is ‘pure profit’ for him in terms of status in the squad.
Gravenberch lasted 86 minutes before being replaced by Joey Veermen. Meanwhile, Van Dijk came on to get himself a goal as the Netherlands ran out 4-0 winners.
Ryan Gravenberch must kick on now
It doesn’t seem as though Gravenberch quite did enough to force his way into the full-time starting XI for the Euros.
Nevertheless, he must now use this as turning point. It has been a really difficult couple of years for Gravenberch, changing club a couple of times and losing a bit of rhythm.
But it has been claimed that Gravenberch is even better than Jude Bellingham. He must now start to back up those theories on a regular basis.
With Arne Slot coming in as Liverpool’s new head coach, there’s a big chance for Gravenberch to stake his claim as a genuine starter for the Reds.
Still young, if he can build on what is an unexpected chance in this summer’s tournament, he should be able to hit the ground running back at Anfield.
Great to see Gravenberch starting again, hopefully much more to come now.