PSV ace wowed as Cody Gakpo ‘approaches perfection’ at Liverpool

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Yorbe Vertessen is delighted to see his former PSV Eindhoven team-mate Cody Gakpo make his mark at Premier League giants Liverpool, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad. 

Gakpo’s sudden explosion at Anfield is a reminder, not that you should have needed it, about the risks of writing off a new player so early in his English football career. All you doubters; don’t you feel foolish now?

After a sluggish start, the Dutch international now has four goals in his last five Premier League appearances; two of those coming in Sunday’s stunning 7-0 triumph over Manchester United. 

Both of his finishes against Erik ten Hag’s side were reminiscent of his PSV best; explosive, instinctive, and ruthless. Gakpo belatedly showing the kind of form that had Vertessen wide-eyed with wonder. 

Cody Gakpo living up to expectations at Liverpool

“The best player I played with at PSV,” says the speedy Belgium U21 international, who joined Union Saint-Gilloise on loan last month.

“That first goal (against Man United) was typical Cody; cutting in and looking for the far corner. That second goal was also beautifully done. It approached perfection.

“I’m happy for him that his transfer to Liverpool has worked out so well. Cody was someone who often talked to me to give me confidence. He also often gave me advice. He supported me a lot.”

Gakpo, who came close to joining Leeds United or Southampton last summer, set Liverpool back around £37 million with Jurgen Klopp hoping that he – along with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz – can restructure a frontline set to lose Roberto Firmino following Sadio Mane’s move to Bayern Munich. 

“Since the departure of Sadio Mane, Liverpool fans have been patiently waiting to see a replacement they could embrace,” former Man United man Garth Crooks tells the BBC.  

“I think Gakpo might be that player. The former PSV striker has settled in to his role at Anfield seamlessly and in a manner of weeks. He is composed in front of goal and a team player. Very much in the image of Mane.”