Ryan Gravenberch has not been called up for international service as a result of previously leaving the team, according to Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman.
Gravenberch chose not to play for the Netherlands during the September international break in favour of taking some time to get accustomed to his new surroundings in the north-west of England. Gravenberch had signed for Liverpool on the transfer deadline day.
The decision to withdraw from the international had been suspected of being the reason Koeman and other Dutch coaching staff members decided not to choose the Gravenberch for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers against France and Greece.
The Dutch manager then confirmed the reports’ veracity in a statement to the media.
“Calling him now was not an option. He has now received the signal. Players who choose not to play for the Dutch Juniors or Oranje are viewed differently by us, Koeman remarked.
“Moreover, Gravenberch has not played much at Liverpool yet.”
Gravenberch has played just 69 minutes of Premier League action since joining the club, with Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, typically using the midfielder as a substitute option.
However, Gravenberch has made frequent starts in cup games and has performed well, particularly against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. The 21-year-old has a goal and two assists in his three starts in these tournaments.
While categorically rejecting a call-up for October, Koeman insisted that the Liverpool midfielder would still be taken into consideration for future Netherlands teams, providing that he receives more playing time at Anfield.
“I’m hoping Liverpool will help him grow more. He has tremendous talent. He is always a possibility for the Dutch team if he plays frequently for his club,” according to the former Barcelona manager.