2 years ago
354 Ally McCoist has issued quite a brutal verdict on Cody Gakpo during ITV’s coverage of the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Senegal (broadcast on 21/11; 16:45), claiming that he is not convinced by the Liverpool target.
Gakpo went into the World Cup in stunning form for PSV Eindhoven. In fact, he was outperforming Erling Haaland for goal contributions so far this term.
Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
While Haaland has 23 goals and three assists in all competitions, Gakpo has 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV. It is a remarkable record. And with that, it is absolutely no surprise that he is attracting interest.
McCoist not convinced by Gakpo
Gakpo suggested to The Times that he had the chance to join the likes of Manchester United, Leeds or Southampton in the summer.
Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images
More recently, Calciomercato has reported that Liverpool are on pole position to sign the 23-year-old. Reports have suggested that Arsenal are also admirers of the youngster.
But it would appear that some are not entirely sure why there is such a hype around Gakpo. McCoist was asked about him towards the end of the goalless first-half between the Dutch and Senegal on Monday. And he admitted that he is not standing out to him.
“Well, I’m not convinced I’m sorry to say if you want to give him the big build-up,” he told ITV. “I think there’s a player in there. But I’ve seen him a few times.
“Obviously, I saw him in the Champions League qualifiers, so I’ve seen him maybe four or five times and I know there’s a player there but I’m just not 100% convinced.”
There are reasons the raft of Premier League sides did not manage to sign Gakpo in the summer. And one of those may have perhaps been concerns over how capable he would be of taking his Eredivisie form to England.
Previously, some have really struggled with that move. And there are times when you can see why Gakpo may find it tricky to be anywhere near as influential.
It was a tough half for Louis van Gaal’s men. And they probably suffered from not having a world-class striker leading the line.
Having said that, Gakpo went some way to silencing his doubters after the break. It was his header which broke the deadlock as the Dutch went on to secure a 2-0 win.
The post 'I'm sorry to say': McCoist not convinced by attacker Liverpool lead race to sign; he's outperforming Haaland appeared first on The Boot Room.
