Man Utd target Cody Gakpo silences big-game doubters

Karan Tejwani

22 Nov 2022 08:40 GMT
4 min read

Cody Gakpo has been a star for PSV this season, being involved in 30 goals across all competitions including 13 goals and 17 assists for the Dutch side.

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Now, he’s showing his talents on the world stage and that started with his fine display in Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Senegal on Monday evening.

There were plenty of eyes on Gakpo to see if he could convert his club form into something on the international scene and he did just that.

READ: Gakpo and De Jong link up shows what could have been at Man Utd

Late in the game against Senegal, his driving run and header went into the back of the net for the opener for the Dutch, helping his side secure the win.

Gakpo has arrived for Netherlands

Gakpo was heavily involved for the Dutch and although it wasn’t the best display from him or his team, he proved to be a threat when given the freedom to do so.

Of all the Dutch attackers bar Memphis Depay before he came on, Gakpo was the only one showing intent to drive the ball forward and show willingness to score.

READ: Gakpo happy to stay at PSV in January despite Man Utd links

He was also on set-piece duty and his crosses proved to be dangerous, creating chances for the likes of Virgil van Dijk but they failed to go into the net.

The goal he scored was an indication of his quality: he has been known for those runs into the box and to have received a perfect ball from Frenkie de Jong was a gift for him.

He timed the run perfectly and met the ball before a lost Edouard Mendy, netting his first World Cup goal in his first appearance in the tournament.

Prior to this season, the biggest criticism of Gakpo was his failure to turn up in big moments but he has dispelled that myth so far this season.

In this campaign so far: one goal and three assists against Feyenoord in a 4-3 win; one assist in a 2-1 win over Ajax; one assist in a 2-0 win over Arsenal; two goals and two assists across PSV’s Europa League campaign so far and now his famous World Cup bow.

Cody Gakpo's game by numbers vs Senegal:

13 crosses attempted
3 chances created
2 duels won
2 touches in opp. box
1 interception
1 shot
1 goal

A dream World Cup debut for one of the year's brightest stars. ✨ pic.twitter.com/NZI9xDfZ67
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 21, 2022

For club and country, his overall tally this season has risen to 33 goals and assists - and we're not even halfway through it yet.

As known, there’s plenty of interest in him: the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal are known admirers, and should he keep up this form, the interest and his value is only going to grow.

There were lots of eyes on Gakpo yesterday, and although it wasn't his best game, it went a long way in disregarding many of the fears around him.

Gakpo has arrived for Netherlands, and it’s only going to get better from here.