Cody Mathès Gakpo, better known simply as Gakpo, has quickly become one of the most talked-about young footballers in Europe. Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Gakpo has risen through the ranks of professional football with incredible speed and has shown immense potential as a forward. His performances for both PSV Eindhoven and the Netherlands national team have made him a key player to watch in the coming years. This article delves into Gakpo’s journey, his playing style, and his impact on the pitch, and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about him.
Early Life and Beginnings in Football
Cody Gakpo was born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, a city known for its football culture due to the presence of PSV Eindhoven, one of the top football clubs in the Netherlands. Gakpo’s football journey began at a very young age when he joined the youth academy of PSV Eindhoven. Raised in a family with a sporting background, Gakpo’s natural talent for football was nurtured early on, and by the time he was a teenager, it became clear that he had a bright future in the sport.
His first exposure to top-tier football came when he was promoted to the PSV senior team in 2016, although he made his professional debut for the club a year later. The forward’s technical skills, flair, and agility stood out, and it wasn’t long before he earned a regular spot in the PSV starting lineup.
Rise Through the Ranks at PSV Eindhoven
At PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo quickly made his presence felt. The club, known for producing world-class footballing talent, offered him the perfect platform to showcase his skills. He initially made a name for himself as a versatile attacker, capable of playing as a winger or a forward. His pace, combined with his sharp dribbling and ability to score goals, marked him out as a star in the making.
During his time with PSV, Gakpo became integral to the club’s attacking force. His ability to create chances, combined with his eye for goal, allowed him to become a regular feature in both domestic league matches and European competitions. As he developed, Gakpo showcased maturity beyond his years, often playing with the confidence of a much older player.
In the 2021-2022 season, he reached new heights, scoring crucial goals in the Eredivisie and Champions League, further cementing his reputation as one of the best young talents in Europe. His form for PSV earned him recognition both at home and internationally, and it seemed inevitable that he would soon leap to a larger club in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Playing Style: A Versatile Forward
Cody Gakpo is often described as a versatile forward capable of playing in various attacking roles. Though he is predominantly a winger, he can also operate as a forward or a second striker. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset for any team. His primary position is on the left wing, where he can use his pace and dribbling skills to break past defenders. However, his ability to cut inside and shoot with his stronger right foot allows him to make a significant impact from different positions on the field.
Gakpo is known for his intelligent movement off the ball. His understanding of space and timing allows him to find pockets of space in dangerous areas, often making him a real threat inside the box. Additionally, his crossing and vision are important components of his game, enabling him to assist teammates with accurate balls into the box.
One of the standout qualities of Gakpo is his physicality. Standing at 1.88 meters tall, he is a powerful presence on the field, especially when challenging defenders in aerial duels. His strength also allows him to shield the ball effectively and retain possession in tight situations. His quickness and balance further complement his physical attributes, making him a complete forward.
Gakpo and the Netherlands National Team
Gakpo’s rise at PSV naturally led to his inclusion in the Netherlands national team. He made his debut for the senior squad in 2020 during a UEFA Nations League match. Since then, he has been a regular member of the national team and has contributed to their successes on the international stage.
His performances for the Netherlands during international tournaments and qualifiers have been impressive. Gakpo’s combination of pace, skill, and intelligence on the ball has made him a key player in the national setup. He has played in significant competitions such as the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the UEFA European Championship, contributing goals and assists in crucial moments.
Gakpo’s versatility has made him a player of choice for the national team managers, who rely on him for his attacking contributions and his ability to adapt to various tactical setups. His international success has further increased his profile and made him a sought-after player for top European clubs.
The 2022-2023 Season: A Breakthrough Year
The 2022-2023 season marked a significant breakthrough for Gakpo in terms of both his performances and his profile. He was one of the standout players for PSV Eindhoven, helping them challenge for the Eredivisie title. His scoring form was exceptional, with Gakpo netting important goals that kept PSV in contention for domestic honours. He also played a critical role in PSV’s European campaign, showcasing his talent in high-stakes matches.
What made the 2022-2023 season even more special for Gakpo was his performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He was one of the standout players for the Netherlands, scoring in crucial matches, including a goal against the United States in the Round of 16. His goalscoring ability and overall contribution helped his team reach the quarterfinals of the tournament, and he was widely praised for his maturity and composure on the world’s biggest stage.
During the World Cup, Gakpo’s name was on the lips of scouts from top clubs across Europe. His dynamic performances only added fuel to the rumours linking him with a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Transfer Rumors and Interest from Europe’s Top Clubs
As Gakpo’s performances at PSV and with the Netherlands continued to impress, the young forward quickly became a target for some of Europe’s most prestigious football clubs. It was no surprise that many top Premier League and La Liga clubs expressed interest in securing his signature. Among the clubs mentioned were Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, who were all reportedly keeping a close eye on his development.
In January 2023, Gakpo made the much-anticipated move to Liverpool in a transfer that sent ripples through European football. The deal was seen as a major coup for Liverpool, who managed to secure the services of one of the hottest young talents in Europe. Gakpo’s arrival at Anfield marked a new chapter in his career, and fans were eager to see how he would adapt to life in the Premier League.
Since joining Liverpool, Gakpo has shown his qualities, adapting well to the demands of English football. His performances have been solid, with Gakpo contributing both goals and assists to the team’s cause. He has also forged a strong partnership with fellow attackers, adding more dynamism and options to Liverpool’s attacking play.
Cody Mathès Gakpo Impact at Liverpool and the Premier League
Gakpo’s transition to the Premier League has been met with a great deal of excitement. Known for its competitive nature, the Premier League provides a unique challenge for any player, but Gakpo has demonstrated that he is capable of excelling in this demanding environment. His ability to play in a fluid attacking system has allowed him to make an impact on both the left wing and as a central striker, offering Liverpool more attacking flexibility.
His ability to score goals and assist teammates has already made him a fan favourite. In addition to his offensive contributions, Gakpo’s work ethic and tactical intelligence have been praised by Liverpool’s coaching staff, and he has become an integral part of the team’s squad rotation. His versatility, pace, and technical skills have made him a valuable player in Liverpool’s push for titles.
FAQs
Who is Cody Gakpo?
Cody Gakpo is a Dutch professional footballer known for his time at PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool. He is a versatile forward, capable of playing as a winger or a central striker. He has gained recognition for his pace, dribbling, vision, and goalscoring abilities.
Which position does Gakpo play?
Gakpo primarily plays as a winger, usually on the left side, but he is also capable of playing as a central striker or second forward. Because of his adaptability, he can play a variety of attacking roles.
When did Gakpo make his debut for the Netherlands national team?
Gakpo made his debut for the Netherlands national team in 2020 during a UEFA Nations League match.
What was Gakpo’s role in the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
Cody Mathès Gakpo played a key role in the Netherlands’ campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring in crucial matches, including the Round of 16 win against the United States. His performances helped the team reach the quarterfinals.
Where did Cody Mathès Gakpo play before moving to Liverpool?
Before joining Liverpool, Gakpo spent his entire professional career at PSV Eindhoven, where he rose through the ranks of their youth academy to become one of the club’s most important players.
Final Thoughts
Cody Mathès Gakpo journey from PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool has been nothing short of impressive. The young forward has developed into one of the most promising talents in world football, and his move to the Premier League marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career. Gakpo’s skill set, versatility, and potential make him one of the brightest stars in European football. As he continues to grow and develop, it is clear that he has a bright future ahead of him, and football fans around the world will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds.
To read more, Click here
Leave a Reply