Cody Gakpo shone for the Netherlands on Monday night.placeholder image
Cody Gakpo shone for the Netherlands on Monday night. | Getty Images
One Liverpool star has turned things around this international break
Liverpool have seen several stars away on international duty over the last fortnight. With the World Cup finals just seven months away, sides across the globe have looked to secure their place as the regular qualification campaign comes to an end.
The Netherlands are one side who have now confirmed qualification for the tournament, following a 4-0 drubbing of Lithuania on Monday. With three Liverpool players in the senior Dutch squad – a fourth Reds Dutchman, Jeremie Frimpong, is currently out injured – fans will have kept an eye on their stars’ progress at the Johan Cruijff Arena as the Oranje took to the field.
One Liverpool star took significant criticism from the Dutch media after last week’s 1-1 draw with Poland, but things were completely different this time around as he helped his side on their way to victory and a spot in the US, Canada and Mexico in summer 2026.
Dutch media change their stance on Cody Gakpo after victory
Dutch media were glowing in their praise of Gakpo against Lithuania after the 26-year-old scored from the spot and then grabbed an assist for Xavi Simons two minutes later, effectively securing the result mid-way through the second half.
Voetbal Zone handed Gakpo the joint-highest rating on the night, an 8.5/10 alongside Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders. Bentley Motors’ newest ambassador Gakpo was labelled ‘industrious’ and his work in setting up Simons’ goal was praised, alongside his ‘outstanding’ performance. Meanwhile Reds captain Virgil van Dijk was rated a 7, on the night that the 34-year-old made history by overtaking Frank de Boer as the man to wear the armband the highest number of times for the Netherlands.
AD called Van Dijk ‘a proud, strong, and true captain’, a sentiment Reds fans can certainly agree with after his leadership of Liverpool in recent years, lifting his first Premier League trophy as captain in May.
‘I think he is actually the best’ - Dutch legend on Gakpo
"I think Gakpo is actually the best player of this qualifying series," Van Hooijdonk analysed. "And actually even before that. He is so strong, his physique is top. And in addition, he also has his individual action.
"He was together with Malen this game very dangerous. I think that back has walked the wrong way seven times in the second half alone. He combines all that with overview and a refined kicking technique. If they are on, then it's great. Malen is even more erratic than Gakpo," continues Van Hooijdonk. "By that I mean that Gakpo is a bit more of a fixed level. His numbers say a lot. At Malen, it is also sometimes disappointing, such as Friday against Poland. Now it's great again."
Gakpo’s set-piece delivery was also praised by Ibrahim Afellay: “Gakpo has a great kick, so I wouldn't be surprised if he could also be the first taker for that in the future. You also see it when he comes in: always that turning ball at the second post. You always see that connection with Dumfries in that. Today, Timber also ended up in that position. Then you see how dangerous that becomes.”
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