Rio Ferdinand says Cody Gakpo sent Liverpool fans a statement with his Manchester United heroics

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Rio Ferdinand has said on ‘Vibe With Five’ that after Cody Gakpo scored a brilliant brace for Liverpool in their 7-0 thumping of Manchester United, he has proven that he has well and truly arrived at his new club.

The ‘magic’ £35 million (Sky Sports) man has received pelters during the start of his time at Anfield for not instantly hitting the ground running. However, recent performances have showcased that there may be a real player in the Dutchman.

As Cody Gakpo silenced his doubters against Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand has said that he sent a statement to the Liverpool fans with an emphatic display.

Rio Ferdinand says Cody Gakpo sent Liverpool fans a statement with his Manchester United masterclass

After the 23-year-old struggled against Real Madrid, the Spanish press vilified him while Tim Sherwood pointed out how the opposition seemed ‘too much for him’ on the night.

But Cody Gakpo showed what he is truly made of in a Liverpool shirt against arch-rivals Manchester United as Rio Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel, “That’s his moment. Every player when they sign for a team need a moment.”

“[Luka] Modric said it the other day that his goal against Man United at Old Trafford for Real Madrid was the moment when the Real Madrid fans go, ‘he’s one of us.’ And I think [Cody] Gakpo had his moment.”

Patience could be a virtue with Cody Gakpo

While Troy Deeney said that the former PSV Eindhoven forward could be the second coming of Roberto Firmino, the reality is that it is challenge for any player to replicate the Brazilian’s brilliance in what was an extremely specialised role.

Instead of viewing Cody Gakpo through this very lens, he should be allowed to settle into his new surroundings at Liverpool to assess the type of players he turns into, as he surprised many, including seemingly Rio Ferdinand with his masterclass against Manchester United.

Considering the World Cup sensation’s experience of playing at left wing as well as his build, he may actually be a more natural centre-forward than Firmino and time needs to be afforded to him to assess his development.