Ryan Gravenberch hasn’t had the easiest start to the new season.
The Dutch midfielder has struggled to find the level we know he is capable of producing for Liverpool, and his performance in the 0-0 draw with Fulham only increased the questions surrounding his form.
But perhaps international duty has arrived at exactly the right time for Gravenberch.
The 24-year-old has been included in Xavi’s first Netherlands squad, with the new Oranje boss selecting him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Gravenberch remains an important player for his country, and that could give him the opportunity to get some confidence back.
Gravenberch needs a spark
There is no question that Gravenberch hasn’t looked like the player Liverpool supporters saw at his best previously.
Against Fulham, he and Dominik Szoboszlai struggled badly in midfield, with Liverpool lacking control and energy for large periods.
Iraola has also acknowledged that the midfielders need more help from the players ahead of them, rather than simply blaming the central pair.
That is important because Gravenberch’s problems aren’t necessarily all down to Gravenberch.
Liverpool are adapting to a completely different style under Iraola, and the Dutchman is being asked to operate in a team that is still trying to understand exactly how it wants to play.
That’s going to take time.
But confidence matters too.
And sometimes a player simply needs to get away from the club environment for a few days, play football with people he knows well and remind himself what he’s capable of.
The Netherlands could give him that
Gravenberch is not going into the international break as some forgotten squad player.
He remains part of the Netherlands’ plans.
In fact, he started all four of the Netherlands’ matches at the 2026 World Cup and has been a regular for the national team.
Now he gets the chance to work under Xavi as the former Barcelona manager begins his reign with the Oranje.
That’s potentially a really positive situation for Gravenberch.
A new manager.
A different environment.
Different teammates.
And, most importantly, an opportunity to start fresh.
If he gets minutes and puts together a couple of good performances for the Netherlands, he could return to Liverpool with a completely different mindset.
Liverpool need the old Gravenberch back
This is about much more than one player.
Liverpool need Gravenberch.
They need the midfielder who can carry the ball, drive through midfield and give the team another dimension.
They need the player who looked so comfortable playing a deeper role during his best spell at Anfield.
And they certainly don’t need Gravenberch playing within himself.
A recent analysis highlighted the concern that his current game hasn’t developed as hoped, while his performances this season have raised questions about his suitability to Iraola’s system.
But I wouldn’t be writing him off.
Far from it.
He’s still only 24 and has already shown Liverpool supporters exactly what he can do.
The challenge now is getting him back to that level.
This international break could be perfectly timed
Sometimes footballers need a reset.
Gravenberch has had a difficult opening to the season, Liverpool haven’t quite clicked under Iraola yet and the midfield has been one of the biggest talking points.
So perhaps a few days away with the Netherlands will do him the world of good.
He can train with a different group, work under a new coach and play without the immediate pressure of trying to solve Liverpool’s midfield problems.
And if he comes back with his confidence restored, Liverpool could benefit massively.
There is a very good midfielder in Ryan Gravenberch.
We’ve already seen him.
Now we just need to see him again.
Hopefully, international duty can be the tonic he needs to rediscover his best form.
Come back feeling confident, refreshed and ready to show Iraola exactly what he can do.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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