Although Liverpool were beaten 5-2 by Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Ruud Van Nistelrooy believes Cody Gakpo put in a ‘strong’ performance for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Dutchman joined the Reds from PSV last month and has shown glimpses of his potential in recent weeks.
The former Manchester United striker, who is now PSV manager, also believes the 23-year-old has done well to quickly establish himself on Merseyside.
I thought Cody [Gakpo] it was strong,” Van Nistelrooy told De Telegraaf (via Football365). “Like all of Liverpool in the first 20 minutes. They were sweeping Real Madrid and Cody was strong.
“He had great moments of saving the ball, playing the ball to one side and moving well. Cody also had a few turnaround moments after the turnover, he got the ball back and it looked great.
“But that was also the case against Newcastle United and in the derby against Everton. You see that he adapts quickly to that level.”
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Before our dismal loss to the La Liga giants earlier this week, Gakpo had scored in his last two appearances for the Reds and was playing with real confidence.
He started well against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but was extremely quiet through the second half before being replaced by Bobby Firmino shortly after the hour mark.
We’re still not sure where the Netherlands International performs best with him so far deployed in the center (as he was for the Netherlands at the World Cup), although he started the campaign excellently for PSV, often acting as a winger. left.
Before moving to the Premier League, Gakpo had scored 13 goals and registered 17 assists in 30 appearances (in all competitions).
The best is yet to come from the versatile striker, but let’s hope he can finish the campaign strong to ensure we finish the season in the top four.
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