Dutch media verdict on Cody Gakpo says it all about Liverpool ace as Arne Slot left with no choice

No player at Euro 2024 has scored more goals than Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Deployed by Ronald Koeman down the left flank, the Reds man has looked much more natural in that position than down the middle and the numbers are speaking for themselves.

Gakpo already has already found the back of the net three times in Germany and looks to be in great form. Ahead of coming back to play for new head coach Arne Slot on Merseyside, the answer about where he should be deployed appears to be obvious and the Dutch national media was left impressed by him against Romania, drawing some big comparisons.

Giving him a rating of 8/10, AD said: "Gakpo’s 1-0 puts the Liverpool player in a nice company. Together with Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay, he is one of the players who managed to score at least three times in two final tournaments.

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"The 1-0 against the Romanians gave the Dutch a much-needed break. Gakpo dribbled past Andrei Ratiu and fired from eighteen meters at 121 kilometers per hour into the near corner. The assist for the 2-0 was also professional."

Gakpo ended the game with a goal and an assist but it was his intensity that stood out the most. He doesn't have devastating pace but he was direct and decisive here, something that hasn't been seen often enough at Anfield.

Voetbal Primeur compared Gakpo’s display to former Netherlands star Arjen Robben, who was often very effective cutting inside from the wing onto his favored foot. Everyone knew what he was going to do, but few could stop him.

"By far the most important Dutch attacker at this European Championship," VP said of Gakpo, also giving the Liverpool man a rating of 8/10. "His goal was like Arjen Robben in his best days – and his assist made the difference against Romania. Gakpo is now joint top scorer at the Euros."

Liverpool.com says: Gakpo simply has to get a chance down the left side for Liverpool next season. That is where he is best and right now, he should be ahead of Luis Diaz in the pecking order. He is creating and scoring for the Netherlands and looks like the player that excelled for PSV before moving to Anfield, leaving Slot will absolutely no choice.