Liverpool star Cody Gakpo outlines his credentials as a left-winger by securing Euro 2024 Golden Boot
After Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final, it was confirmed that Liverpool star Cody Gakpo was among the Golden Boot victors at the tournament alongside five other players, who also scored three goals, as per ESPN.
Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Jamal Musiala, Georges Mikautadze and Ivan Schranz complete the six-man list. Kane and Olmo did have the chance to become outright winners but the duo failed to find the back of the net in Berlin on Sunday night in the final.
Gakpo benefitted as a result of a change in UEFA’s rules after it was revealed that the Golden Boot would be shared between a number of players if there was no clear winner in terms of goals scored. But then given that he had a goal ruled out for offside and another chalked off as an own-goal, it is fair to say the Dutchman is deserving of the accolade.
Previously, the assist numbers were taken into consideration if two or more players were tied for goals. In fact, that is how Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot at Euro 2020 despite being level on goals with Patrick Schick.
While no Liverpool player was on the winning side at this year’s European Championship, Gakpo has represented the Reds well in the tournament and saw his exploits rewarded on the prize podium.
He was arguably the best player in the Dutch side at Euro 2024, as he scored three vital goals in their run to the semi-final, including one in the round of 16 against Romania in a 3-0 win.
Gakpo also provided one assist as Ronald Koeman’s men fell short against eventual runner-ups, England, in the last four.
Those at Liverpool will be hoping that the 25-year-old is able to carry his impeccable form into the season whilst maintaining consistency in front of goal under Arne Slot. It is significant that Gakpo managed to put up such numbers while being deployed on the left wing, unlike at Liverpool where he was used down through the centre.
With Luis Diaz failing to put up impressive numbers, Arne Slot will do well to take heed of Gakpo’s performances this summer and give him a shot on the left flank. Gakpo was productive last season having scored 16 goals besides providing six assists, though only eight of those strikes were in the Premier League. But he could build upon those numbers if deployed in a role that comes naturally to him.
In the bigger picture, it is fair to say that the forward should have done exponentially better in the English top-flight, especially, but a lacklustre year in front of goal was the story of Liverpool’s attack for much of the 2023/24 campaign.
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As far as the winning squad goes, Liverpool have been interested in Dani Olmo and Nico Williams since a while. It remains to be seen if they are able to sign one of the Spaniards ahead of next season.
