National media criticise 24-year-old Liverpool player’s international display last night

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Dutch national media have criticised Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo for his display in a 4-2 defeat to Croatia last night.

It feels somewhat bizarre that there’s top-level football being played right now. But almost three weeks since the end of the Premier League season, the international calendar is still spluttering on.

Last night saw the return of the UEFA Nations League, with the Netherlands taking on Croatia in the semi-final. Leading the line for Ronald Koeman, Gakpo played 106 minutes as the game went to extra-time. It’s fair to say that AD weren’t impressed with what they saw, though.

Handing Gakpo a five out of ten, they claim that the Liverpool man had a ‘difficult’ night in Rotterdam. Although he lined up as Koeman’s main man in attack, his key moment of the game actually game at the other end of the pitch.

It was Gakpo who brought down Luka Modric in the penalty box with the Dutch 1-0 up. Andrej Kramaric duly converted and the night started to unravel for the Oranje. Not Cody’s best night by the sounds of it.

Virgil van Dijk was also on the pitch yesterday evening, playing the full 120 minutes and captaining his side.

AD were a little more complimentary of Virgil than his Liverpool teammate, handing him a slightly more generous six out of ten.

But on a big night for the Netherlands, it seems that the Reds’ orange pair generally didn’t live up to the hype.

That will disappointing for both, who would have fancied a shot at the trophy. After a lean season at Liverpool it would have been a nice confidence boost for Van Dijk and Gakpo ahead of the new campaign.

Instead, they’ll now have to take part in a third-place play-off against either Italy or Spain. In a season like no other, it would be nice if both our Dutchmen could have the night off for that one.

Virgil in particular has been run into the ground a little this season. If Koeman could have the mercy to spare him another pointless 90 minutes, we’d be grateful.

As for Cody, nothing to worry about here. He’s become used to playing a very specific position through the middle for Liverpool. It’s always a little difficult to translate that to the international stage. Just ask Roberto Firmino.