Cody Gakpo responds to Virgil van Dijk message away from Liverpool
Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk were heavily involved once again for the Netherlands in the international break.
Gakpo scored as Ronald Koeman’s men drew 2-2 with Spain in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie on Thursday, while van Dijk also featured.
Both Liverpool men were once again named in Koeman’s starting lineup for the second leg of their quarter-final on Sunday.
Unfortunately for the Reds duo, though, the Netherlands lost 5-4 on penalties after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Valencia.
Gakpo responds to van Dijk message after Netherlands defeat
After their loss to Spain, the Netherlands’ next international fixture will see them go toe-to-toe with Finland for a World Cup qualifier in June.
On 24 March, Reds captain van Dijk posted photos of the Netherlands’ defeat on Instagram with the caption: “Focus.”
Liverpool and Dutch international teammate Gakpo reinforced the message by leaving a red heart emoji in the comments section.
Netherlands’ experience should make Gakpo and van Dijk hungrier for Liverpool success
In the international break, both Gakpo and van Dijk suffered the hardship of being knocked out of a tournament with the Netherlands.
| Cody Gakpo stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 26 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 3 |
Unfortunately for the Liverpool duo, their defeat in Dutch colours immediately followed a difficult week in which they were knocked out of the Champions League and suffered a Carabao Cup final defeat.
But facing so many setbacks in a row will make both Gakpo and van Dijk all the more determined to help Arne Slot’s side get back to winning ways.
Slot and Co may hold a big lead over Arsenal in the Premier League title race, but they will want to end a successful season in memorable style, starting with a victory over local rivals Everton on 2 April.
Van Dijk is still yet to agree fresh terms at Anfield, while his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but both he and Gakpo will be looking to secure as many wins as possible in the coming weeks.