With Ryan Gravenberch now a first-choice starter for Liverpool and again within the Netherlands squad, Ronald Koeman believes “it was too straightforward” for him early on.
Gravenberch has joined up with the Netherlands squad for his or her UEFA Nations League clashes with Bosnia & Herzegovina and Germany with a boosted repute.
After a so-so first season with Liverpool, the midfielder has loved an upturn in fortunes with the appointment of Arne Slot, who has put in him as his first selection at No. 6.
He has impressed in three appearances to start out the season, most notably with a stellar show in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Man United.
Talking in a press convention forward of the Netherlands’ assembly with Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday, Koeman praised Gravenberch’s type and earmarked him as a part of the nation’s long-term future.
“He performed properly [against Man United],” he informed reporters together with AD.nl and VI.nl.
“It’s clear that he’s taking a step, has taken one. He will get the possibility and he grabs it with each palms.
“You might be on the lookout for new impetus, to maintain choosing and the place potential bringing in youth. That’s the future. That doesn’t solely apply to him.”
Requested why he feels Gravenberch is lastly exhibiting his potential, Koeman stated: “It might be a little bit of belief that he will get.
“It additionally has to do with the truth that he had a shorter trip than the remaining and shortly obtained again to work.
“Possibly the penny will drop now. We’ve got at all times seen a number of potential in Ryan.
“Lots of people, together with me, thought {that a} little bit of focus, the laziness, may very well be improved in him. It was too straightforward [for him when he was younger].
“It appears – we’re speaking about two matches now – that he realises what’s required within the midfield of Liverpool within the Premier League.
“That’s the actuality. If a participant is given the belief or the possibility, that may be the push in the suitable path.”
• OPINION: Gravenberch is exceeding early expectations as Liverpool’s key midfield cog
Slot’s arrival at Anfield has clearly been a lift for his younger compatriot, and that will also be stated for Koeman, who is ready to reap the advantages.
Whether or not Gravenberch will begin in both of the Netherlands’ two fixtures this month stays to be seen, having didn’t function in any respect through the Euros.
However having claimed his spot within the aspect for Liverpool, and with fewer senior choices in midfield for Koeman, there may be now an opportunity the 22-year-old can begin to present his potential once more for his nation.