'Does nothing' - National manager hits out at Liverpool star after what happened during game last night

The Netherlands boss was unhappy with Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman criticised Ryan Gravenberch for his failure to provide defensive cover in the goal conceded against Norway.

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman addresses the media during a press conference at the KNVB Campus in Zeist ahead of the Netherlands upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final football match against Spain. (Photo by Koen van Weel / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by KOEN VAN WEEL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images) | ANP/AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman addresses the media during a press conference at the KNVB Campus in Zeist ahead of the Netherlands upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final football match against Spain. (Photo by Koen van Weel / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo by KOEN VAN WEEL/ANP/AFP via Getty Images) | ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Oranje earned a 2-1 friendly victory but they had to come from behind. Norway opened the scoring through Andreas Schjelderup in the 24th minute. Koeman was unhappy that Gravenberch failed to provide support for Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries, which could have prevented the goal.

The head coach said: “The moment Teun [Koopmeiners] tracks down the full-back who is making a deep run inside, someone else needs to defend the inside-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.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk levelled for the Netherlands in the 35th minute before Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders netted the winning goal after half-time.

Cody Gakpo also featured for Oranje and his performance received widespread praise from the Dutch media, while Jeremie Frimpong was an unused substitute. And those in the press pack who watched the win over Norway also felt that Gravenberch delivered a decent performance.

Voetbal Primeur handed the midfielder a player rating of 7/10 and said: “Played a good game. Gravenberch is incredibly strong and fast, and looked reliable. In this form, he will definitely be a starter at the World Cup this coming summer.”

Daily newspaper Algemeen Dagblad also handed Gravenberch a mark of 7 and commented: 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.”

The Netherlands face Ecuador on Tuesday and Liverpool will hope that Gravenberch - along with Van Dijk and Gakpo - are handed a rest. This season, Gravenberch has made 40 appearances in all competitions and started every Premier League game he has been available for.

Liverpool return to action when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday 4 April at the Etihad Stadium (12.30 BST).