Cody Gakpo sends clear message to Arne Slot at Euro 2024 ahead of Liverpool pre-season

Cody Gakpo made the perfect start to his Euro 2024 campaign, and sent a clear message to new Liverpool boss Arne Slot in the process.

The 25-year-old was on target for the Netherlands in their opening game of the tournament against Poland. The Dutch had earlier fallen behind to an Adam Buksa header, with Virgil van Dijk being beaten in the air from a corner.

The Liverpool captain almost brought his nation level moments later, but saw his volley beaten away by Wojciech Szczesny. His Reds teammate though was on hand to get the Netherlands up and running for the tournament.

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Gakpo cut inside from the left before unleashing a shot just outside the penalty area, with the effort deflecting in off Jan Bednarek. It was a just reward for what was an impressive opening half from the Liverpool star though.

“Well it was always going to be that man Cody Gakpo coming off that left side,” former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said while commentating for the BBC. “I think there he has just decided to take a punt but look at the space he has got.

“It takes a deflection off two players. Wojciech Szczesny absolutely no chance with that one.

“He is the absolute standout player right now. Give him time, give him space and he'll punish you.”

Gakpo’s impressive display will no doubt send a clear message to Slot. The Liverpool head coach may well have been watching on with interest ahead of his first pre-season at Anfield.

Gakpo has been utilized through the middle for much of his time at Liverpool to varying degrees of success. He found himself dropping down the pecking order for much of the 2023/24 campaign before earning his place back in the side toward the end of the season.

And after impressing off the left for his country, Slot might well be minded to play him in the same position for his club. Gakpo was mainly used as a left winger during his time at PSV Eindhoven, and could well be a key player in that role in the new era at Anfield.

Liverpool.com says: It’s clear that the left wing is Gakpo’s best position. He hasn’t had many opportunities there for Liverpool due to Luis Diaz being the first-choice in that role, but Gakpo is doing all he can to make sure he's not forgotten about. With speculation over Diaz’s future, he may well get his chance next season.