In Focus: Dutch delight for Gakpo as goals flow on international stage

Cody Gakpo bagged two goals in as many matches for the Netherlands during the international break and will be hoping to take his form back to Merseyside.

The 17-cap international is yet to score for Liverpool this season but will have a new-found fire in his belly after performing for his country.

As the Reds prepare to take on Wolves this weekend, we turn the spotlight on the 24-year-old.

Time to adapt

During the 2022-23 campaign, Gakpo was used as a false nine or winger but has had to play in a deeper role under Jurgen Klopp this term.

The former PSV Eindhoven speedster started the first two matches as a central midfielder and has consequently struggled to make an attacking impact.

New arrivals Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobozlai also have a forward-thinking mentality, meaning Gakpo has had to be more reserved when it comes to his adventures into the final third.

Despite starting in his favoured position as a centre forward against Newcastle, he was still unable to contribute to either of the two goals scored by the Reds after being hooked on 58 minutes.

Koeman's verdict

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has been impressed with the £35million signing since he moved to the Premier League and believes he only getting better at Liverpool.

He said: "You have to understand that Gakpo is still a young player.

"When he first went to Liverpool, the team was struggling and that made it difficult for him to make a quick impact. Liverpool needed something quickly and that was tough. 

"You have to give him that time to develop and to adapt to the Premier League because it's a different level. 

"I know from my time in England that the intensity is much higher than he used to play in Holland but he's young and he will learn and he will be better, but he has a great future. You can see his quality."

Take the positives

Gakpo's goals in back-to-back games for his country may be enough to give the technician the confidence he needs to score on his return to Premier League action.

Although his effort against the Republic of Ireland was a penalty, the Eredivisie winner did well to control a Denzel Dumfries cross and power home in the win over Greece.

The 6ft 3in marksman scored seven goals and assisted two in 21 league matches for Liverpool last term and can now set his sights on beating that record in his first full season.

Stepping up to the challenge

Gakpo has acknowledged his new role under Klopp and insists that he can thrive in any position on the pitch.

He said: "In the beginning it always takes some getting used to when you are in a different position, but then it is also important to pick it up quickly and show that I am versatile as a player.

"The trainer sees me as an attacker, but I can also bring those attacking impulses from midfield. That's the reason I also make minutes there.

"Developing myself in several areas also suits me as a person. That's how I am, and that also applies to my development on the field."

Liverpool's versatile forward is clearly approaching his football with a positive mentality and he will have the chance to prove it on the pitch against Wolves this weekend.