Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo could face increased competition for World Cup playing time after Championship forward Crysencio Summerville's eye-catching Netherlands debut
Ben Crawford
13:16, 04 Jun 2026Updated 13:21, 04 Jun 2026
Cody Gakpo could lose his Netherlands spot
Cody Gakpo could lose his Netherlands spot(Image: Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo was overshadowed by West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, as the Netherlands suffered a disappointing 1-0 friendly loss to Algeria on Wednesday.
The Liverpool forward's participation at the World Cup could now be in jeopardy due to the impressive form of the Championship player. Eight Reds representatives will feature in North America this summer, with three donning the orange of the Netherlands.
Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Gakpo are all integral members of Ronald Koeman's squad and were named in the starting XI against Algeria in Rotterdam. But fellow Liverpool player Jeremie Frimpong was left out of the 26-man squad.
What should have been a straightforward farewell game for the Dutch concluded in a 1-0 international friendly setback. Gakpo featured for 81 minutes on the left wing but was unable to swing the contest in his country's favor.
Summerville, recently relegated with West Ham, made a considerably more substantial impression on his debut, according to Dutch press reports.
This could serve as a warning for the Liverpool attacker, whose World Cup involvement may be reduced if Summerville maintains his excellent form.
Crysencio Summerville has just suffered relegation to the Championship
Crysencio Summerville has just suffered relegation to the Championship(Image: Getty Images)
Against Algeria, Koeman deployed a front three featuring former Aston Villa striker Donyell Malen through the middle, Gakpo on the left side and Summerville on the right.
Dutch publication VoetbalPrimeur was distinctly unimpressed by Gakpo's performance in the frustrating 1-0 reverse, awarding him a 5.5/10 rating and noting: "Gakpo quickly weaved his way past his direct opponent a few times. After that, the left winger was unable to really make his mark."
Summerville, conversely, earned the joint-highest mark among the Dutch contingent. The publication awarded him a 7/10 for his opening 45 minutes and noted: "A fine debut from Summerville.
"The West Ham forward made a fresh impression and was involved in many of the Dutch threats. His agility and speed are a weapon."
VoetbalPrimeur wasn't the sole publication to lavish praise upon Summerville. NOS suggested that the 24-year-old delivered a standout performance on his international bow. He was substituted at the interval.
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The report read: "While Summerville primarily plays as a left winger at West Ham, Koeman selected him as a right winger. Fortunately for Koeman, Summerville proved the national coach right for the time being in his 45 minutes."
Given the recently relegated player clearly made an impact and naturally operates as a left winger for West Ham, it's entirely plausible he could challenge Gakpo for game time on the left flank at the World Cup.
The Liverpool forward was below par against Algeria. Should Summerville continue to impress, he could be handed chances in his preferred left wing role, potentially at the expense of Gakpo, who will now need to watch his back.