Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who recently scored in both of the Netherlands’ international matches, has earned praise from former Everton manager Ronald Koeman.
The 24-year-old, who joined Liverpool from PSV in a £37 million deal in January, had initially struggled for form in the Premier League, partly due to being deployed in an unfamiliar midfield role by Jurgen Klopp.
However, Koeman placed Gakpo on the left side of the front three during international matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, allowing the Dutchman to play in his natural position. Koeman acknowledged that Gakpo is still a young player and highlighted the challenges he faced upon joining Liverpool during a difficult period for the team.
Koeman stated, “You have to understand that Gakpo is still a young player. When he first went to Liverpool, the team was struggling, and that made it difficult for him to make a quick impact. If you join a team that is doing well, then you have a chance to come in when the moment is right, but Liverpool needed something quickly, and that was tough.”
“You have to give him that time to develop and to adapt to the Premier League because it’s a different level.
“I know from my time in England that the intensity is much higher than he used to play in Holland but he’s young and he will learn and he will be better, but he has a great future. You can see his quality.”
The former Everton boss emphasized the need to give Gakpo time to adapt to the Premier League’s higher intensity level, which differs from his experiences in Holland. Koeman, drawing from his own time in England, expressed confidence that Gakpo would learn and improve, highlighting the player’s quality and promising future.
Gakpo had previously impressed at PSV while playing on the left flank and had moved to the middle of Liverpool’s front three after joining the club. In the previous season, he contributed seven goals and three assists in 21 Premier League appearances. With strong competition in Liverpool’s attacking positions, Gakpo aims to continue making an impact and contribute to the team’s success in the current season.
