Reported Arsenal target Cody Gakpo says it is ‘an honour’ to be compared with Premier League and Dutch legend Robin van Persie following his goal in the Netherlands’ World Cup victory over Senegal, speaking to the FIFA website.
As far as headers on the biggest stage go, the one Gakpo powered past a flailing Edouard Mendy with 84 minutes on the clock was not quite in the same league as Van Persie’s against Spain eight years ago.
It was, however, just as important.
Gakpo was the Netherlands’ brightest spark against the African champions. As such it felt fitting that it was he who broke Senegal’s brave resistance, putting his body on the line and flicking Frenkie de Jong’s wicked cross into the net while sparkling wild celebrates from the avid Oranje fanbase.
In his last four international caps, Gakpo now has three goals and an assist. Form that has led to comparisons between the PSV Eindhoven talisman and Holland’s all-time top scorer.
Could Cody Gakpo be Arsenal’s next Robin van Persie?
“(Van Persie) is a legendary player in the Netherlands, and in the whole world,” 23-year-old Gakpo beams.
“It’s an honour for me to be compared to him. But, at the end of the day, I’m my own player. I have to prove myself and do my best.”
The £40 million-rated forward now has 16 goals for club and country this season. February 1st cannot come soon enough for PSV supporters already, with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Leeds already lining up potential winter bids for a man who represents their greatest hope of snatching the Eredivisie title back from arch rivals Ajax.
Per 90Min, Arsenal also scouted Gakpo during PSV’s statement, 2-1 win at the Johan Cruyff Arena earlier in November. Should he end up in North London, Gakpo would find himself joining the club who gave a baby-faced Van Persie his big break nearly two decades ago.
“He is a good player and always finds a way in most games to have an influence, in terms of getting an assist or scoring a goal,” Van Persie says of his free-scoring compatriot.
“(Gakpo) is always dangerous (but) not really an out-and-out striker. He can play as a No.10, on the (left) wing, as a false striker or on the right wing.
“He has a good physique. He’s strong, fast and can dribble. An all-round player.”
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