“The Cody Gakpo show” in the Euro 2024 highlights why many Liverpool fans have huge expectations from him next season

Cody Gakpo has continued his prolific form in the Euro 2024, leaving Liverpool fans with plenty to anticipate next season. With two Man of the Match performances from four games, the Liverpool forward has taken the Netherlands to the tournament’s Quarter-finals.

Many pundits and social media are rightfully calling him the “Player of the Tournament” so far as he terrorizes opponents. The 25-year-old has established himself as the permanent presence in the left-wing position for the Dutch side in this tournament.

Netherlands beat Romania 3-0 in the last 16 as Gakpo scored the first goal, providing the assist for the second. Gakpo continuously pressured the Romanian defence with his close control, dribbling skills and sheer determination to secure the emphatic victory.

According to Squawka (via X), Gakpo is the third Netherlands player to score three-plus goals at two different major tournaments. He joined the high-profile Dutch legends Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp after achieving the remarkable feat in the current competition.

He is the first player to score and assist in a Euros knockout round since Frank Rijkaard in the 1992 semi-finals. The Dutch international has six goals and an assist so far in the major international tournaments for his country.

The impressive tally combined with his contribution to the overall game for the Dutch team has Liverpool fans buzzing. The Reds witnessed Gakpo go through several ups and downs last season with the majority backing him through thick and thin.

However, social media is a fickle place with many elements provoking thoughtless criticism and unrelenting nitpicking over every single opportunity. Last season, critics attacked the 25-year-old with toxic, hateful narratives that overshadowed constructive criticism.

Through thick and thin: Liverpool and Cody Gakpo last season

Gakpo made 53 appearances in all competitions for the Reds last season, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists. Under Liverpool’s beloved former manager Jurgen Klopp, the 25-year-old played in several different positions as Klopp utilized his versatility.

As a consummate professional, Gakpo played in make-shift roles unselfishly to do the job his manager wanted from him. Liverpool suffered from a severe injury crisis in a squad that already lacks depth compared to their competitive high-spending rivals.

Gakpo played as a left-winger, right-winger, attacking midfielder, centre-forward and central midfielder during the last season. The drastic demand hampered his consistency as different roles required different contributions while other players benefitted from his sacrifices.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old failed to rediscover his productive form when he returned to the frontline as an attacker. The situation turned worse when a tired Liverpool team lost to arch-rival Manchester United in the FA Cup tie.

Gakpo played as the centre-forward and failed to contribute anything while struggling to perform against a defensive United side. A section of the Liverpool fanbase in social media turned on him with former Liverpool player-turn-pundits stoking more fire.

Jamie Carragher infamously criticized Gakpo for his performance against Man United which only made things worse on the internet. Following the international break, things changed as Klopp put Gakpo in his favourable left-wing position while putting Luis Diaz centrally. Furthermore, the former Liverpool boss accepted “his fault” in Gakpo’s struggle with productivity as Liverpool immediately witnessed the change in Gakpo’s game.

The change allowed Gakpo to produce consistently strong performances either as a substitute or as the starter. Unfortunately, Liverpool suffered an anti-climactic end to their overall good season but Gakpo continued to shine for the Reds.

Liverpool’s player to watch next season: Gakpo

Since Carragher’s tweet mocking his speed, Gakpo has yet to play a match where he didn’t outplay everyone else. The Dutchman’s determination, professionalism and attitude are now more adored by the Liverpool fanbase.

As new head coach Arne Slot succeed Klopp, the similar nationality acts as a bonus for Gakpo. Liverpool fans are excitingly watching him demolish opponents in the Euro 2024 as he continues to stake his claim for the left flank.

Slot prefers a more buildup approach compared to Klopp’s direct and counter-attacking style of play. While both coaches have similar high-pressing philosophy, Gakpo could be the player to watch for Liverpool next season.

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The 25-year-old’s close control, dribbling ability and remarkable technical quality could bolster further in the patience play under Slot. Furthermore, Gakpo has reached the peak stage of his career and his mentality, maturity and ability to recover from adversities could help build the superior consistency that Liverpool needs.