This week, Ronald Koeman surprised many with his out-of-the-blue criticism of Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch but the 22-year-old has not allowed it to affect him.
Comments reported by Voetbal International, quote Koeman saying: “It may be a bit of confidence that he is getting. He started earlier than some other internationals. Maybe the penny will drop now.
“We have always seen a lot of potential in Ryan. A lot of people thought, including me, that a bit of concentration, the laziness, could be improved in him.”
The Dutch midfielder has started the season in fine form and has now responded to his national team manager’s comments but did not lash out at all.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, he said: “It’s not nonsense; everyone has their own opinion.
“People say about me that I’m a bit nonchalant. That’s just in me. Now I have that nonchalance too, but people don’t really talk about it, because things are going well at Liverpool.”
It’s the perfect response
Ryan Gravenberch. Credit: Imago Images
It would not have been productive to hit back at Koeman and instead, it seems the midfielder will just let his football do the talking.
Based on his performance so far this season, if Gravenberch can continue focusing on his football, Koeman will have little to do but praise him for it.
Last season was a bit topsy-turvy for Gravenberch but now, with a new manager that’s his compatriot, he seems to be getting the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent.
It’s also important to remember that despite having already made 263 appearances, Gravenberch is only 22. There’s still a lot more to come from him.
The win over Manchester United may be looked back upon as a vital turning point in his career. His first two games of the season were fantastic – make no mistake – but against a team of United’s talent, it was the perfect test to see if he can handle the pressure of the no.6 position.
