How Dutch media rated Cody Gakpo’s Netherlands performance vs Lithuania
Cody Gakpo is facing a fight for his place in the Liverpool starting XI.
Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, and the Swede is expected to start through the middle for Arne Slot.
With Mohamed Salah’s place on the right-wing a given, there is a spot still up for grabs on the left of the attack.
Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in July, and the Frenchman has hit the ground running since his arrival at Anfield.
Ekitike is not expected to continue as Liverpool’s striker, but the forward could be played on the left with Gakpo missing out as a result.
Cody Gakpo continues strong form vs Lithuania
Gakpo was a shining light for the Netherlands against Poland last week, and the winger continued to look in impressive form on Sunday.
Ronald Koeman’s side beat Lithuania 3-2, with the Liverpool man providing the assist for Memphis Depay’s opening strike.
The 26-year-old was a constant threat on the left, completing the most dribbles, creating the most chances, and winning the most duels on the night.
Gakpo could have had a goal too, after he got past his defender and cut inside, but his strike rebounded off the crossbar.
Dutch media name Cody Gakpo the ‘best player’ vs Lithuania
Sunday was a historic night, with Memphis Depay’s brace seeing him become the top goal-scorer in the Netherlands national team’s history.
However, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf still chose Gakpo as their “best player” against Lithuania, with former Netherlands international Wim Rijsbergen rating the winger 7 out of 10.
Voetbal did not quite agree with the assessment, but did give the winger a 6 out of 10 for his performance.
| Cody Gakpo | Vs Lithuania |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances created | 3 |
| Shots | 4 |
| Successful dribbles | 5 |
| Duels won | 7 |
Gakpo also received praise from Algemeen Dagblad, who called the winger “threatening” and handed him a rating of 6.5 out of 10.
The 26-year-old will now return to Liverpool to await Slot’s decision. At the very least, Gakpo should be in the team that starts against Burnley on Sunday, with Isak not expected to be fit enough from the start.
But after that, the Dutchman will hope his performances have earned him some credit in the bank.
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