Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is brimming with confidence at the moment.
The 25-year-old impressed heavily for the Reds in the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park prior to the international break.
He has continued his good form on the international stage and delivered yet another strong performance for the Netherlands on Friday night.
Ronald Koeman’s side drew 1-1 against Hungary in the UEFA Nations League game, and Gakpo registered an assist in the 83rd minute.
Former Dutch player turned football pundit Pierre van Hooijdonk was extremely impressed by Gakpo’s overall quality and said that he was the one player who was always involved in creating chances.
What Pierre van Hooijdonk said about Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo
Gakpo came up with a fantastic free-kick, and Denzel Dumfries scored the equalizer with a header. Gakpo’s club and country teammate, Virgil van Dijk has left the Dutch camp on Saturday (12 October) as he is ineligible to play the next game against Germany. The Dutch skipper picked up a red card in the 79th minute.
“The equalizer was a good cross from Cody Gakpo. The game restarts were taken by Simons earlier, but that was not really a success this time. Gakpo takes this ball perfectly and puts it where the ball should go,” said Hooijdonk, as quoted by Voetball International.
“Finally, Denzel Dumfries expertly completed the preliminary work. ‘Dumfries attacks the ball well. Gakpo was on the inside in the first half. He is the only player in the Dutch national team who can outplay someone in one-on-one. That happened better in the second half, on the sideline. Gakpo was always involved in the chances.”
Cody Gakpo will look to maintain impressive form for Liverpool
Gakpo has been mostly used by Arne Slot from the bench in the Premier League, with Luis Diaz getting the nod ahead of him.
He has made just one start in the Premier League, and a further six appearances have come from the bench. Gakpo started once in two Champions League games and delivered an outstanding performance in the league cup clash against West Ham, where he scored two goals.
Liverpool have some tough fixtures coming up after the international break this month, and Slot is expected to rotate his squad to full effect.
It also means Gakpo could get enough games to make a really big impact, and he must deliver.
While Liverpool sit at the top of the Premier League table after seven games, pundits are sceptical about their title credentials, as they are yet to be tested against quality teams.
The next few games are absolutely vital for the Reds, and Gakpo could play a big part.
