“It’s a perfect league for him”- Netherlands legend gives verdict on Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool transfer

Wesley Sneijder has heaped praise on Liverpool new signing Cody Gakpo

Former Dutch International Wesley Sneijder, while speaking to SoccerNews (h/t Liverpool Echo), said that Liverpool have signed a top player in Cody Gakpo and he will be suited for English football.

Liverpool surprised everyone when they agreed to a deal with PSV Eindhoven for Cody Gakpo for a fee worth around £40m when it felt like the Dutchman would be heading to Manchester United.

Gakpo was one of the hottest talents on the market after a blistering season with PSV and he continued the rich vein of form when representing the Netherlands at the FIFA World Cup.

Sneijder, who represented the Oranje 134

times in his career has heaped praise on the player’s ability and potential and believes he will come good at Liverpool.

“I think it’s different for a central striker than for someone like Gakpo who comes from the side. That’s where the spaces are in England. I think it’s a perfect league for him.”

It is a big praise based on reasonable argument by a player who has seen it all during his career but only time will tell whether his prediction will come true or not.

Gakpo made his debut in the 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers and although there were moments where we could see a glimpse of what lies ahead, he was not able to justify his claim on the game.

However, moving from the Dutch league to the English league would take time for any player to adapt and hence we should not be too hasty in judging the player. In a situation where half of our first-team players are sidelined due to injury, the signing of Gakpo was crucial in our bid to finish in the top four.

One issue which could persist with the player if he does not hit the ground running soon would be the return of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota to the team, which could limit his game time.

Ideally preferring to play from the left, where Diaz mainly operates from while not being a proper nine, Gakpo would need to suit the needs of the time rather than the other way, which was prevalent at his former club.

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However, the player has earned rave reviews over his development in the past few years and there is no doubt that he would come good at Anfield. He has another opportunity to showcase his skills when Liverpool meets Brighton & Hove Albion in a must-win game after a dreadful loss to Brentford in the league last week.