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Cody Gakpo fires clear message to Arne Slot as Martin Keown raves about Liverpool star
Cody Gakpo was exceptional in the first half of the Netherlands' Euro 2024 opener against Poland. Starting on the left of a front three, Gakpo quickly showed his quality with a number of driving runs at Przemyslaw Frankowski, who ended the half on two fouls committed, which prompted the first huge chance of the game which was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
Despite a bright start from Ronald Koeman's side, Poland went in front with Adam Buska heading home from a corner. In response to going behind, the Netherlands responded well with Memphis Depay going close on a number of occasions, however it was Gakpo who found the equaliser.
After Nathan Ake won possession back, he found Gakpo in space with the Liverpool star heading straight for goal before he unleashed a powerful which flew into the back of the net courtesy of a huge deflection. The 25-year-old then had a great chance to turn the game on its head but he guided his close-range effort narrowly over the bar.
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Despite that miss, Gakpo was comfortably the best player on the pitch in the first 45 minutes with it very clear he loves playing out wide. Every time the Netherlands pushed for, Gakpo was hugging the touchline before squaring up his man and regularly getting the better of him.
On BBC commentary, Arsenal legend Martin Keown was full of praise for Gakpo following his goal and vibrant 45 minutes. "It was always going to be that man Gakpo," he said in the wake of his strike. "Coming off that left-hand side as we have talked about. He is the standout player right now.
"Give him time and space, he will punish you. He shows really good composure and quality." Towards the latter stages of the 2023/24 campaign, Gakpo looked bright on the left-hand side when given opportunities ahead of Luis Diaz and as such Slot has been sent a clear message of how to get the very best out of him at Anfield.
