Netherlands under-21s boss Michael Reiziger insists Ryan Gravenberch is no longer sidelined from international duty – and has backed the Liverpool midfielder to push for a senior call-up in 2024.
Gravenberch rejected an under-21s call-up back in September for games against Moldovia and North Macedonia just days after completing a move to Anfield. It was decided by the player that it would be best to remain on English soil to get settled into his new surroundings on Merseyside. However, the 21-year-old’s decision was met with stern criticism back in his homeland as Reiziger and senior boss Ronald Koeman publically condemned his actions.
The Reds midfielder, who has already played 12 times for his new club, has since been left out of both of the October and November under-21s squads, with Reiziger defending his decision to overlook Gravenberch by claiming September’s feud is “behind us”.
“This is no longer a punishment or anything. Not at all,” Reiziger is quoted as saying by Voetbal International. “That is already behind us.”
Last week, former Manchester City and AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong, who is currently the Technical Director of the Dutch Football Association, was present at the AXA Training Centre for a visit that was likely to go some way to smoothing the relationship between those in Holland and on Merseyside.
However, Reiziger has refused to rule out Gravenberch earning a senior call-up in the March international break ahead of next summer’s European Championships after hailing the start the former Bayern Munich and Ajax man has made to life at Anfield.
“During the next international match, in March, you will of course look further,” added Reiziger. “Then you don’t even know whether he is still eligible for the Dutch Juniors or the Dutch national team because he plays very good games at Liverpool. That’s just a very good thing.
“But again we now have three periods in quick succession and this group has done well. That’s really the reason not to take Ryan along now. As KNVB we are in contact with him, that was also explained to him, Nigel de Jong did that. He responded well to that.”
