Ruud van Nistelrooy has praised Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo for his performance in his side’s 5-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 clash.
The £120,000-a-week man was widely criticised for his display against Carlo Ancelotti’s men, with Tim Sherwood saying the visitors ‘looked a bit much’ for him. One Spanish outlet commented on how he looked like a ‘shadow of the player’ he was at PSV Eindhoven.
However, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed Cody Gakpo at PSV complimented him for his showing against Real Madrid.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was all praises for Cody Gakpo vs Real Madrid
Which Micah Richards was also positive about the Dutch international after his goal against Newcastle United, the headlines turned negative after he failed to really have an impact against the European champions.
But Ruud van Nisterlrooy was full of praise for Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo after his outing against Real Madrid in an interview with De Telegraaf.
“I thought Cody [Gakpo] was strong. Just like all of Liverpool in the first 20 minutes. They were blowing away Real Madrid and Cody was strong.”
“He had some great ball-saving moments, playing the ball to the side and moving well. Cody also had some switching moments after ball loss, winning the ball back and looked very sharp. But that was also the case against Newcastle United and in the derby against Everton. You see he adapts quickly to that level.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy may have got this one wrong
While there is no denying that Cody Gakpo started the game brightly for Liverpool against Real Madrid, it’s hard to agree with Ruud van Nistelrooy, who seems to paint his display as an encouraging one.
For large parts of the game, the 23-year-old looked completely lost as the Reds’ striker and gave Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao nothing to be worried about.
Simply put, it was a night to forget against Real Madrid for Cody Gakpo, despite what Ruud van Nistelrooy says but considering he has impressed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and club legend, Jamie Carragher in recent weeks, there is plenty to be hopeful about.
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