Thursday, November 14, 2024

Liverpool already know Gakpo reality after new Man United coach’s declaration

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Manchester United are on the verge of bolstering their backroom staff as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake close in on joining Erik ten Hag’s team.

The former United forward will not only know Arne Slot well from their duels between Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven, but also Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. The 25-year-old made 24 appearances for the Dutch striker, during his spell in Eindhoven, scoring 13 times and providing 17 assists.




Gakpo’s form at this summer’s European Championships have thrust him to the forefront of the conversation after struggling to hit form for Liverpool, last season. The Holland attacker is joint-top goalscorer after his tournament showings in Germany but unlike at the Reds, he has frequented on the left of a front three.

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Although the forward has claimed he is happy to play anywhere, and did so under Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp, his displays for Ronald Koeman’s side have more than asserted his claim to start as a left-winger for Liverpool.

He said: “I enjoy playing for sure and I’m looking where I can help the team the most. Sometimes that’s a little bit deeper in the midfield and sometimes it’s in the striker’s position. I just enjoy playing with my teammates, and especially when you win it is way more fun.”

Under Van Nistelrooy at the Philips Stadion, all of his 24 showings came on the left. Gary Neville spoke highly of Gakpo’s showings for Holland after their comeback win over Turkey in the quarter-final. The 25-year-old forced the error that proved key in turning around the deficit as Mert Muldur inadvertently steered past Besiktas goalkeeper Mert Gunok.

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