Cody Gakpo and Netherlands fizzle out to leave major World Cup question

Gakpo scored his second goal of the World Cup inside six minutes

Gakpo is part winger, part striker, part number 10, while also being none of the above in this Netherlands side. His goal record of 34 in 28 appearances for club and country this season suggests he can fit into a system regardless, but the reality for the Netherlands looks much different – despite already scoring twice in Qatar. Gakpo has struggled to make his mark at number 10, now faded in his deployment as a split forward. He is unlikely to get any minutes out wide for Van Gaal’s side – given the manager’s preference of 3-4-1-2.

His was also a strange game against Senegal. Operating behind Bergwijn and the rather more immobile Vincent Janssen, Gakpo seemed to be swallowed up by the space he was supposed to exploit. After considerable hype, his first World Cup performance did not live up to expectation – until Frenkie de Jong’s sumptuous pass over the Senegal defence found Gakpo’s late run and set up his 84th minute header.

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In a match in which he did not make the impact many had expected, Gakpo still made the difference. Crucially, it came after a tweak from Van Gaal that saw both Bergwijn and Janssen removed. Gakpo was perhaps fortunate to remain on, but in his new position as the right fork of the Dutch attack he found his feet. Despite theoretically having less space in leading the line, Gakpo eventually found enough to deliver the breakthrough. It was a switch that led to the opening goal against Ecuador, as Gakpo rolled to his left and slammed a shot inside the near post.

While Memphis Depay remains limited following his return from a recent hamstring injury, the Netherlands remain in need of a talisman. There are moments where Gakpo looks like he could fill those shoes, and there are some fascinating parallels to be found between them. In 2014, a 20-year-old PSV forward named Depay became the first Dutch player to score in each of his first two appearances at a World Cup, following goals against Australia and Chile. In 2022, a 23-year-old PSV forward named Gakpo is only the second Dutch player to achieve the feat.

And yet the Netherlands are in need of much more. Gakpo was removed on 75 minutes – he and Bergwijn had hardly seen the ball in the second half as Ecuador took charge, controlling the Netherlands while offering far more fight and hustle. Gakpo remains an explosive forward – that much has already been seen and will likely be on display in the final group stage match against Qatar. But in the knockout stages and beyond, a more balanced and cohesive performance will be needed, both by Gakpo and his team.

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