Liverpool star Cody Gakpo showcases hidden talent driving Euro 2024 performances
Ronald Koeman says it’s been a long week in the Netherlands camp - and Cody Gakpo seems to have spent it all researching Romania.
The Dutch are back in action on Tuesday having had a full seven days to reflect upon their 3-2 defeat to Austria which left them needing to qualify for the last-16 as one of the best third-placed sides.
In truth they appear to have landed on their feet having been dropped into what looks to be the kinder half of the draw, and they’ll take on a Romania side who won Group E despite having the exact same record as their Munich opponents - one win, one draw, one defeat.
Studious Liverpool forward Gakpo has been using his time off wisely though, and he’s in no doubt about Romania’s quality and their key players having studied them closely.
“To be honest I watched all three games from them,” said Gakpo, who is seen as a deep thinker about the game by many at Anfield.
“They have some good players, I can’t say that one in particular is the best one, but as a team they were very good.
“In the attacking line they have some dribblers like [Ianis] Hagi and [Dennis] Man, and steady midfielders as well. And the right-back is a good one.”
Gakpo has starred for the Dutch when cutting in from the left of attack in this tournament, and he scored in the group stage matches against Poland and Austria.
Gakpo has impressed for the Dutch during this tournament
Elaborating on his duel with Romania right-back Andrei Ratiu, one of their stars in Germany, Gakpo said: “I have to make his life very difficult. I’m going to try and go on one v ones with him, and it’s going to be a tough battle. But it’s good for me and I’ll have to try my best to go past him and be important for the team.”
Virgil van Dijk, Gakpo’s captain for club and country, admitted that there were some harsh words in the dressing room following the defeat to Austria in Berlin.
Dutch boss Koeman admits that he was part of those discussions too, but says the air has been cleared ahead of their entrance into knockout football.
Ronald Koeman says the Dutch camp have exhanged frank views this week
“First of all it was a very long week,” said Koeman. “I would have preferred a shorter week because seven days between the last game and the next one is a long time.
“On the other hand we had enough time to review the game, to do analysis and see where mistakes were made.
“The players and the staff have been very open, and we’ve looked to get over the disappointment and do better.”
Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong could return to the starting XI after being left out of the Austria clash.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.