Ryan Gravenberch lauded by Dutch media as Liverpool form continues - 'Like he'd never been away'
Ryan Gravenberch continued his superb Liverpool form on international duty as Cody Gakpo scored once again for the Netherlands.
The Dutch ran out 5-2 winners in their opening Nations League game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with three Liverpool stars involved. As well as Gravenberch and Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk once again captained his nation, having held talks with Ronald Koeman over his future during the summer.
Gakpo was among the scorers as the Netherlands eased to victory in their first game since being beaten by England in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. The Reds forward struck in the second half after goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Tijjani Reijnders had given the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break in Eindhoven, with Ermedin Demirovic scoring for the visitors.
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Edin Dzeko threatened to spark a comeback for Serbia before goals from Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons in the dying stages secured victory for the Netherlands, with Gravenberch earning plaudits for his performance.
The midfielder has enjoyed a superb start to the season with Liverpool, having started all three of the Reds’ victories so far this term under new head coach Arne Slot. His display in the win over Manchester United in particular was widely lauded, and it seems he’s carried his form over onto the international stage.
Having played the full 90 minutes, Gravenberch’s performance was given a rating of 7.5/10 by Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur. “His return to the Dutch national team, but he played as if he had never been away. Gravenberch clearly brought his Liverpool form with him and was very comfortable on the ball,” was their verdict.
Gakpo, meanwhile, earned a 7/10 for his display: “In the second half, the Eindhoven native picked up his goal in his hometown. The Dutch team’s top scorer in the European Championship continued his form this summer. However, his role was otherwise somewhat less conspicuous.”
Van Dijk may be a little disappointed with his rating, with the Liverpool captain only earning a 6/10 following his part in Bosnia’s opening goal: “Together with De Ligt he completely lost goal scorer Ermedin Demirović. The captain recovered, but did not yet show his Liverpool level.”
The Netherlands are back in action on Tuesday as they face Germany in Amsterdam, with Liverpool’s trio aiming to be involved again.
Liverpool.com says: Yet more encouraging signs from Gravenberch, who really seems to have found his feet after a mixed first season at Anfield. Long may it continue, although we won’t mind if he’s given a rest by Koeman on Tuesday.