Dutch veteran Ryan Babel praised the talented Cody Gakpo after a goalscoring performance against Senegal in the group stages of the World Cup. Special note was taken on how defenders struggle to deal with the 23-year-old.
This follows Gakpo’s admission that he would love to play for a club of Liverpool’s standard as well as other top European clubs. Gakpo has had strong links with Manchester United and Arsenal for the last few months. Babel praised Gakpo saying:
“I first became aware of Gakpo’s talent and qualities in the 2019-20 season.
“He was performing well for PSV Eindhoven but also for the second team of the Dutch squad. He is doing it for the Netherlands at this World Cup — he has two goals already and looks to be the man in form.
“His skills are very diversified. He’s able to go outside his full-back, he has the pace to run behind the defenders centrally, and he can cut inside from the left and shoot.
“You’ve seen it during the group stages — defenders know he can do many things and that puts a slight doubt in their minds about what to do.
“Scouts would have told players to defend against Gakpo’s right foot but he has already scored with a header and using his left.”
Liverpool’s interest in Cody Gakpo
Gakpo has been crucial to the Dutch campaign in Qatar, helping them qualify past Group A. His versatility and abilities in the attack have made him an attractive option to clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, who seek reinforcements in attack.
Liverpool also has an interest in Mohammad Kudus, who has been vital in Ghana’s run at the World Cup. This shows a desire to rejuvenate an attack struggling after the departure of Sadio Mane.
However, landing a strong forward may be difficult for the Reds, as their main target Jude Bellingham is likely going to cost upwards of £100m. Some reports also say that Klopp plans to sign other reinforcements in midfield.
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