Ernie Brandts believes that Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch should quickly qualify for a base place in the Dutch national team. As a reporter of The Telegraph the former international includes the PSV winger and Ajax midfielder in his team of the week following their performance against FC Groningen and Vitesse respectively.
Gravenberch was replaced by trainer Erik ten Hag against FC Twente (1-1) last weekend. On Sunday, the nineteen-year-old midfielder was back in the starting lineup and made a strong impression against Vitesse (5-0). “Ryan Gravenberch was also so strong against Vitesse,” Brandts says in the newspaper about the midfielder who scored once. “He has walking ability, scoring ability and acceleration with the ball at his foot. He passes very easily, sees the game, suffers little loss of the ball and also takes balls away.”
With a goal and two assists, Gakpo was important for PSV in the 5-2 victory over Groningen. “He makes quick steps at PSV”, says Brandts about the left winger. “I think he and Gravenberch have a lot in common. Other positions of course, but in terms of walking ability, acceleration and easy passing. I also think that they should both quickly qualify for a base place at the Dutch.”
At PSV, Gakpo was not the only player who made a strong impression on Brandts. André Ramalho, good for two goals, also played a good game in the eyes of the former international. According to Brandts, he is the leader that PSV missed. “He is good at building up, bringing more football from the back. Although I am still curious what he will be like if PSV will really be put under pressure.”
Team of the Week according to Brandts: Verhulst (AZ); Mazraoui (Ajax), Ramalho (PSV), Janssen (FC Utrecht), Witry (AZ); Alvarez (Ajax), Gravenberch (Ajax), Tekie (Fortuna Sittard); Antony (Ajax), Seuntjens (Fortuna Sittard), Gakpo (PSV).