Reported Newcastle United target Cody Gakpo is ‘better’ than £27 million Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn, former Eredivisie star Kenneth Perez said in quotes reported by Football Oranje.
If Steve Bruce’s side are lacking a bit of attacking invention – and god knows they are – then the latest wing wonder to explode onto the scene at PSV Eindhoven could be just the man to add some speed, skill and thrust to an often underwhelming frontline.
Gakpo made his name over in Holland by cutting in from the flank and firing ferocious, long-range shots at goal in a manner reminiscent of another former PSV flyer; a certain Arjen Robben.
But there is more to the 21-year-old’s game than that these days. A one-trick pony he most certainly is not.
Gakpo has developed into a cultured, versatile, Swiss Army knife of an attacker under former Bayer Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, with his tally of seven goals and three assists in 13 games making his £9 million price-tag look like a bargain (FootMercato).
According to ex-Ajax midfielder Perez, it is that eye for goal which elevates Gakpo above a man Tottenham paid £27 million for in January.
“I have been a big fan of Gakpo for some time. He was always a bit in the shadow of Bergwijn at PSV. But actually, I have always found Gakpo better,” Perez said of a player who has filled in admirably at centre-forward as well as his usual left-sided role of late.
“He is much more goal-oriented and scores a lot more goals. From his last eight shots (on target), he has scored seven goals. Then you are goal-oriented. He has physical, speed, and vision – and is technically skilled.
“I think he is a super interesting player.”
Allan Saint-Maximin is yet to really sparkle at Newcastle this season, while Miguel Almiron – thanks to his agent – is suddenly facing an uncertain future at St James’ Park amid alleged interest from Atletico Madrid.
With Newcastle already interest, don’t be surprised if Gakpo is following in Bergwijn’s footsteps in the near future.
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