It’s time.
Since 2018, when he won the first Abdelhak Nouri Trophy for his success at Ajax Academy, Ryan Gravenberch has deserved to be one of the finest young players on this planet, and he has been on an upward trajectory ever since.
He made his senior debut in 2018/19, became a player in 2019/20 and a first team star in 2020/21, and the next step is a first international start for the Netherlands.
The hope is that we will get it on Monday when the Netherlands meet Northern Macedonia. An eagle-eyed camera operator for NOS clocked in some notes from Dutch assistant Dwight Lodeweges who seemed to show Gravenberch as a first start along with Donyell Malen, who is in his first tournament start.
It’s time to get really, really excited. Gravenberch is an outstanding midfielder who is just waiting for the chance to explode on the global stage, and his time is now.
Gravenberch will probably replace Marten de Roon as the Dutch midfielder, but is more of an attack-minded player than his role suggests. He’s great at anchoring midfield and protecting his midfielders, but Gravenberch is always looking for a way to influence play in attack.
Gravenberch is an outstanding talent / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
A typical game from Gravenberch will see him press an opponent to make a mistake, use his high frame and force physics to bully them away from the ball, but that’s the next step where Gravenberch is at his best.
The midfielder can turn defense into attack in less than a moment and is one of the most progressive midfielders in the Eredivisie. You will regularly see Gravenberch go full Yaya Toure and charge from one end of the pitch to the other, using his deceptive agility to weave past defenders that no defensive midfielder could. Suddenly his side is in control.
Now, against Northern Macedonia, there is a good chance that there will not be too many defenses that need to be turned into attacks. The Dutch can expect to dominate possession, and although it does not exactly play into Gravenberch’s strengths, he can adapt his game to his surroundings. After all, he plays for an Ajax side that has won the last three titles in the Eredivisie. He does not exactly drown in defensive responsibility.
What you will see from Gravenberch is a dominance in the middle third, which keeps the Netherlands in control and drives them forward as Northern Macedonia secures a second air. Expect lots of runs in the box and many nice passes to create chances for their teammates.
? The feeling when you make your first goal?
Full highlights ➥ https://t.co/Pupo3odYIO#NEDGEO pic.twitter.com/71R5czyDJz
– OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 7, 2021
While a breakout result against Northern Macedonia can only do so much for a player’s reputation – compare it to the answer to Billy Gilmour’s dominance over England – it’s a perfect platform for Gravenberch to continue his ascent to the top.
All he needs is just an opportunity to prove he belongs on the international stage, and Monday’s game could be that.
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