Image Credits: Imago Images
Cody Gakpo and the Netherlands’ final World Cup warm-up against Uzbekistan was supposed to be a routine tune‑up, but it turned into something far more tense.
Ronald Koeman’s side dominated the ball for long spells yet still found themselves nervously watching the clock as missed chances and sloppy defending kept the Central Asian side alive.
In a game short on cohesion but high on tension, it was Cody Gakpo who repeatedly dragged Oranje towards the finish line, carrying far more threat than most of his teammates and ultimately deciding the contest from the spot twice – one of which was in stoppage time.
Those clutch moments have naturally translated into generous numbers from the Dutch media, with outlets handing Gakpo some of the highest ratings on the pitch for his performance and influence.
Algemeen Dagblad gave Cody Gakpo 7.5/10 and noted he was the “bright spot” for his team:
“The big bright spot for the Orange. Gakpo took away the concerns that arose from his form at Liverpool and mediocre performance against Algeria. The left winger scattered good passes. Sharp and wide on Malen, smart and subtle on Dumfries splitting and tight on Reijnders.”
“Gakpo also cashed in on both penalties. Now that his teammates continue to shoot in front of the goal, the hope of return for the Orange again rests largely on the winger.”
Voetbal Primeur likewise gave the Liverpoool winger a 7.5/10 rating and was labelled as the most dangerous attacker on the night:
“After fifteen minutes he could have had two assists, if Malen and Reijnders had their sights on the ball. Gakpo threw off the hesitation, was not for the first time the best and most dangerous Orange attacker and crowned himself the match winner with two striking penalties.”
Coming off a difficult 2025/26 campaign at Liverpool, where he struggled for confidence and consistent end product, this kind of international showcase feels perfectly timed.
If he can ride this momentum into the World Cup and play with the same freedom and conviction for the Netherlands, there is every chance he returns to Anfield next season looking like a different player.