Image Credits: Imago Images
The Netherlands fought back against Norway in their latest World Cup warm-up game on Friday night.
Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch all started the game as they continue their preparations to line up for their national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Dutch players started the game well, but Norway soaked up the early pressure and went ahead in the 24th minute through Andreas Schjelderup.
Despite that setback, Virgil van Dijk stepped up to level up affairs as he headed home from a corner ten minutes before half-time.
Manchester City midfielder Tijani Reijnders scored what proved to be the winner in the 51st minute as he thrashed the ball into the net from close-range to put the Netherlands ahead.
Whilst another win for the Netherlands is something to cheer about, Ronald Koeman is clearly eyeing perfection.
Even after the taste of victory, the manager took time to express his disappointment over Ryan Gravenberch’s role in Norway’s goal.
Reflecting post-match, as reported by Dutch media outlet VI, Koeman said: “The moment Tuen [Koopmeiners] tracks down the full back who is making a deep run inside, someone else needs to defend the inside to outside. Ryan [Gravenberch] does nothing there! He needs to get to Denzel earlier. He is over the top there. Those kinds of moments in the penalty area need to improve. A full-back needs help from the inside; we didn’t do that well.”
Ryan Gravenberch is one of a multitude of players who has seen his performances dip slightly this season.
Confidence has decreased given the consistency of Liverpool’s results this season and being the direct subject of criticism from Ronald Koeman despite being a part of a win will not do the midfielder any favours mentally.
Dutch media were were kinder to Ryan Gravenberch, with news outlet AD giving him a rating of 7, accompanied with this note:
“The playmaker, a beacon of calm in midfield. With a subtle backheel, he initiated one of the Netherlands’ best attacks before the break. Always on his post defensively.”
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