Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has applauded Cody Gakpo’s goal-scoring turn for Liverpool last night.
The Dutch forward finally bagged his first Liverpool goal at the seventh time of asking on Monday evening – slotting home to put the Reds 2-0 up against Everton.
It was a big goal for Liverpool, and potentially an even bigger one for Gakpo himself. To mark the occasion, the 23-year-old posted some shots of his celebrations on Instagram once the game had finished.
As you can imagine, plenty of his Reds teammates were showing their delight for their young colleague. Virgil van Dijk couldn’t contain his smile – in emoji form anyway – as he acknowledged his countryman’s first Liverpool goal.
Jordan Henderson was also in attendance in the comments, leaving an applauding emoji to show his appreciation.
More surprisingly perhaps, was the presence of United left-back Malacia. The two are well-known to each other having played through the Dutch youth teams – and senior side – together. Still, we can never get used to seeing United and Liverpool players getting on so well. Gakpo’s display was well worth the two ‘on fire’ emojis Malacia sent, though.
Keep your friends close
Having been born just three months apart, it’s certain that Gakpo and Malacia’s friendship transcends football rivalry.
Previously of PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord respectively, it isn’t like they’re not used to being enemies on the pitch, too. But in the Netherlands, both clubs traditionally have the most beef with Ajax, not each other.
Here in England, things are different. United haven’t been at their best during recent years, but they’ve still always been Liverpool’s favourite team to beat. And despite Manchester City’s rise to dominance, that remains the same the other way.
Now that Erik ten Hag has them looking like their old selves again, the rivalry should hopefully kick back into life.
It’s often been true that Liverpool and United haven’t been good at the same time. Rarely have they been directly battling each other for titles. With the Reds hoping to return to their position of strength next season, perhaps we may finally see that play out.
If it comes to that, don’t expect to see Gakpo and Malacia going for each other’s throats. The £13m defender is still new through the doors at Old Trafford, though. Perhaps he may need reminding by his own club’s fans that these two institutions aren’t anything like friends.