OK, it could just have been Northern Macedonia, and it could have largely been a dead rubber game in Group C.
But there is a lot to look forward to after Ryan Gravenberch’s first start for the Netherlands.
Frank de Boers team had already sealed qualifiers for the next round of Euro 2020 when it was time to face the Lynx in Amsterdam. But there would not be many changes, as the Dutch seemed to be completely sure of their passage as group winners.
There were only two adjustments to the side that sent Austria comfortably, and much to the excitement of the home fans, one of them saw Gravenberch go in for Marten de Roon.
Did the 19-year-old look out of place with Matthijs de Ligt, Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay?
He did not.
Ryan Gravenberch makes his first start for the Netherlands. We expect amazing things! ? https://t.co/eb4RDB8vJh pic.twitter.com/KrZYtezmLM
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 21 June 2021
The dextrosive prodigy began to work on imposing negotiations, pressed aggressively and made four interceptions during the first half of the year: the rest of the Dutch side had made five between them.
When he got the ball, he was not so bad either. He caught the eye with a roulette just before half-time when he defended the ball from three North Macedonian players on the edge of the area and kept his team on the ball when it seemed impossible to do so.
It was like watching Wijnaldum at his very best, and although it was Gravenberch’s more experienced teammate who continued to make headlines with a second half, it was the Ajax man who did the work that Wijnaldum is normally known for.
He was an important part of what kept the Dutch ahead, and his commitment was one of the driving factors behind their most fluid and watchable performance to date.
Gravenberch was impressive on Monday / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
It seems likely that De Roon will return to his usual starting place when the Netherlands finish for their last 16 match on Sunday. But with a lack of real depth behind the first midfield three, Gravenberch’s performance here will give De Boer real encouragement towards the end of the tournament.
He has a midfielder in Gravenberch who can step out on the pitch and perform every bit as well as his more established stars, and he should not have to worry about throwing him in for one of the bigger occasions in the coming weeks.
