As Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was left out of the Netherlands’ U-21 squad in this international break, there’s been some questioning whether that could be punishment from manager Michael Reiziger.
Back in September, right after changing Bayern Munich for the Reds, the player had asked to stay out of the national team squad, as he was working on his adaptation to the Premier League club.
Now as Reiziger is quoted by Voetbal International, he explained he had other reasons to leave the Liverpool player out, claiming there’s not a problem between the midfielder and the national team staff.
“But I felt it was important to stick with this group as much as possible. Because you are together for three short consecutive periods anyway. 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.”
Reiziger ended up claiming that the 21-year-old should get a chance in the next international break.
“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.”
The Netherlands’ U-21 squad is doing just fine in the search for a place at the Euros, and it seems Gravenberch will only have a chance once that spot is already confirmed.
The Dutch player has made 12 appearances for Liverpool so far, and had recently been a regular starter, despite missing out in their last couple of games due to injury.
