Former Liverpool star and Dutch international Dirk Kuyt has defended Ryan Gravenberch’s decision to skip Netherlands U21 duty, despite criticism from national team managers Ronald Koeman and Michael Reiziger.
Gravenberch, who joined Liverpool on September 1, opted to remain in Merseyside rather than join the Netherlands U21 squad shortly after his arrival. This decision drew disapproval from U21 boss Reiziger, who said that Gravenberch made the ‘wrong choice’, while Koeman expressed the association’s dissatisfaction.
Gravenberch has been notably absent from recent international squads, indicating that the midfielder is facing repercussions for his September decision. However Kuyt, who earned 104 caps for the Netherlands, has voiced support for the 21-year-old.
“I think the federation was not really happy that he stayed in Liverpool. But, as I know how difficult it is to move from one club to another, I think he made the right decision to do so,” said Kuyt, speaking to The Redmen TV.
“It’s not that every player should do it every time, but this was the right moment to settle in, to make things work. It’s not only about training at Liverpool, it’s settling in the city.”
Following the challenging season Gravenberch endured at Bayern Munich, where he struggled for playing time, it is easy to empathise with the midfielder’s desire to establish himself at Liverpool. He is determined to make a significant impact at Anfield, focusing on adapting to the club and settling in the city.
Gravenberch’s decision to prioritise his settling-in process at Liverpool over international duty may have upset some in the national team’s hierarchy but it has only helped endear himself to Reds fans.
