Cody Gakpo has impressed at the World Cup so far, scoring twice against Sweden this weekend, and he spoke about how things are different for him with the national team
13:15, 21 Jun 2026
Cody Gakpo during the Netherlands vs Sweden at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo during the Netherlands vs Sweden at the World Cup.(Image: Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo has explained the difference in his performances between Liverpool and the Netherlands after starting the World Cup in excellent form off the back of a tough season.
Under Arne Slot, Gakpo was superb in the first campaign and dropped off substantially in the second. The number of goals he scored more than halved after winning the Premier League title and he now needs to get back on track — with his early showings in the US offering plenty of promise.
The 27-year-old forward scored twice and assisted once in a big win over Sweden yesterday. For Ronald Koeman, he answered the question of where the Dutch's goals would come from alongside Sunderland's Brian Brobbey.
"It’s a little bit different," Gakpo said when he was asked post-match to explain how he is able to perform to such a high level in a Dutch jersey.
"How I play here, where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have at the club," he added. "That’s it basically."
Daniel Sturridge, watching on television, was impressed with Gakpo's performance too.
Cody Gakpo starred for the Netherlands against Sweden.
Cody Gakpo starred for the Netherlands against Sweden.(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
"Gakpo is different for the Netherlands man!" he posted on social media. "Way more confident and decisive with his decisions, dribbling and shot selection. Bagged two and an assist tonight. Love to see it."
The Dutch outlet AD was full of praise for Gakpo. "Oranje's top scorer at the last major tournament has risen again," it said.
"Gakpo did so immediately with a fine pass to Brobbey and good moves on the outside. In the second half, the goals followed.
"For the 3-0, he was alert to tap in Dumfries' cross at the far post. The 4-0 was more beautiful. Gakpo broke free and beat the poor Swedish goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt with a hard shot into the near corner.
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"After a tough year at Liverpool, Oranje's golden boy is hitting his stride again. Just in time."
Liverpool.com says: Gakpo has been linked with an exit this summer, but lots of people have forgotten how good he can be. He scored 19 goals in the season before the one just gone.
This summer, Liverpool needs more attacking depth, not less. Selling Gakpo, even for a big offer, would add to an already lengthy to-do list of things that must be sorted out before August 23, when the Reds travel to Newcastle.