Ronald Koeman has blasted compatriot Ryan Gravenberch despite the midfielder’s stellar display for Liverpool this campaign.
Gravenberch exited Bayern Munich for Anfield in the summer of 2023, with the Dutchman joining the English side for a fee of €40 million.
Ryan Gravenberch In The 2024/25 Season
Ryan Gravenberch has produced impressive performances in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield and has played the entirety of Arne slot’s side first three league games this campaign.
The 22-year-old was also breathtaking during the Reds’ comfortable win over arch-rivals Manchester United, making crucial defensive interventions while pushing the side forward with accurate passing.
Ronald Koeman Blasts Ryan Gravenberch, Claims The Midfielder “Lacks Focus”
Netherlands national team manager Koeman appears not to be fascinated by Gravenberch’s display, with the ex-Barcelona man drawing attention to the lapses of the midfielder.
Speaking ahead of the Netherlands UEFA Nations League group games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany on September 7 and 10 respectively, Ronald Koeman said: “I am glad you added that last part. I have always seen the potential in him.
“But I believed he lacked focus; this is something that he had to improve, and now it seems that he finally realizes what is asked of him.”
The former Southampton and Everton manager made these comments in response to a journalist who spoke highly about Ryan Gravenberch.
Gravenberch Present At Euro 2024 But Absent From Matches
Despite making 38 appearances for Liverpool in the 2023/24 season, scoring 4 goals, and providing 2 assists in all competitions, Gravenberch did not play a single minute at Euro 2024.
The Netherlands made it all the way to the semi-finals before they were beaten 2-1 by the Three Lions of England.
Ryan Gravenberch’s lack of “focus” has definitely not made him a priority option for Oranje boss Koeman with the 22-year-old playing just 86 minutes under the manager since he was reappointed as manager of the Netherlands in January 2023.
During the presser, Ronald Koeman also lambasted Steven Bergwijn for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia and shared that the forward’s chapter with the national team is closed.
Koeman said: “Steven Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at age 26. It’s clear that this has nothing to do with sporting ambition. His book with the Dutch National Team is closed.
“He probably knows what I would have said this”.
Ronald Koeman And Steven Bergwijn
Steven Bergwijn is yet to respond to the comments of Ronald Koeman, but it will be fascinating to see if his performance in the Saudi Pro League would convince the ex-Valencia boss to hand him an invitation.
Bergwijn has made 35 appearances for the Netherlands, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists.
Netherlands 23-man Squad For Their Forthcoming International Engagements
Gravenberch is amongst the Netherlands’ 23-man squad for their upcoming matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany.
The Liverpool star was invited alongside teammates Cody Gakpo and captain Virgil Van Dijk alongside the Manchester duo of Joshua Zirkzee and Nathan Ake.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was also called up after over a year of absence due to injury. He was handed an invitation alongside his twin brother Quinten Timber.
Who Is Ryan Gravenberch?
He is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a central or defensive midfielder for Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
Gravenberch’s Personal Information?
The Dutchman was born on May 16, 2002, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Afro-Surinamese parents.
The Liverpool man’s father is Ryan Gravenberch’s Sr while his father is Aretha Jennifer Starke.
Is Ryan Gravenberch In A Relationship?
He is dating long-term partner Cindy Peroti.
Ryan Gravenberch’s Market Value And Net Worth?
Gravenberch’s market value is €35 million according to Transfermkt, while his net worth is estimated to be between the region of €20 million – €25 million.
Ryan Gravenberch’s Career Stats?
The 22-year-old has made 178 club appearances thus far in his career, scoring 17 goals and providing 16 assists in all competitions.
Internationally, Gravenberch has made 12 appearances for the Netherlands, scoring 1 goal and providing no assists.
Ryan Gravenberch’s Achievements?
Gravenberch has won several trophies in his career, including; 1 German Bundesliga title, 1 English Football League cup, 3 Eredivisie, 2 KNVB Cup and 1 German Super Cup.
His Position?
Gravenberch functions primarily at the central midfield unit, while he can also be deployed at the defensive midfield department.
Clubs He Has Played For In His Career?
He has played for just 3 clubs in his career, namely; Ajax, Bayern Munich and currently Liverpool.
