Ryan Gravenberch looks set to get his first start at Euro 2020 when the Netherlands face Northern Macedonia on Monday.
The high-ranked kid had a breakout season 2020/2021 at Ajax, made 32 Eredivisie matches and recorded three goals along with five assists from midfield. The 19-year-old’s impressive form prompted him to be called up to the senior Dutch side in March and he kept his place long enough to make the Euro 2020 squad.
However, he has barely played in the Netherlands who have opened two matches in the tournament and remain on the bench during their 3-2 victory against Ukraine before making a 16-minute como in a 2-0 victory against Austria.
With the Dutch development to the quarterfinals certain, Gravenberch’s wait for a start is set against Northern Macedonia. As reported by NOS Sport, an eagle-eyed camera hijacker managed to capture a paper held by assistant coach Dwight Lodeweges.
• Ryan Gravenberch • Ajax • Dutch • 19 years
His ability to create attacks from the depths makes him a valuable asset! ↗️
Welcome to our 21, @RGravenberch ??
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) June 4, 2021
The note suggests that both Gravenberch and Donyell Malen – who took an assist after coming off the bench against Austria – will be drawn into the starting XI for Monday’s match.
The report is confirmed by an interview given by Frank de Boer in which he said: “I will apply two exchanges. You can brainstorm about it. I say no more.
“After the match against Northern Macedonia, we have five days to prepare for the eighth final. If the preparation time had been shorter, I might have made different choices.”
The Netherlands has been fantastic to watch in Euro 2020 / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
If Gravenberch achieves a good performance, he can earn a place in the starting XI for round 16. The Netherlands will play the third placed in Group D, E or F, depending on how the team ranks at the end of the group stages.
Although they should get an uneven draw, the worst case scenario seems to be one of Germany, France or Portugal.
