Cody Gakpo has given a special thank you to one of his Liverpool teammates for settling him in at Anfield.
Gakpo arrived in January this year, at a time when the Reds were really struggling. Joining the club at a difficult time, it would have been easy for the 24-year-old to wilt and hide.
But having initially held his own, Gakpo steadily started to really impress. And speaking to Voetbal International whilst away on national team duty this week, the Dutchman has thanked Virgil van Dijk for helping him through his first days at Liverpool.
“Of course there is always room for improvement, that’s how I am, but I felt good and I’m having a good time at Liverpool,” Gakpo explained.
“I came halfway through the season and then a lot comes your way. Everyone at the club has helped me well, including Virgil van Dijk who showed me around, I am very grateful to him for that.”
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Gakpo thanks the captain
Virgil was always likely to be a reference point for Gakpo in his early days at Liverpool. In fact, as time has gone on, the 32-year-old is now even more important.
Back when Cody first arrived, Van Dijk was not even the Reds’ vice-captain, let alone the full-time armband holder.
But after the exits of both Jordan Henderson and James Milner, the centre-back is now the main man.
Having already been the leader of his country, Virgil would have been a big figure for Gakpo. Now, with extra responsibility at club level, his presence will be even more valued.
It’s still early days for Cody, so Van Dijk’s help may still be required. And it’ll be down to the two of them to help settle in new signing and compatriot Ryan Gravenberch.
Thankfully, that seems to be something both players are more than happy to do.
Much had been made of Liverpool losing their two most senior leaders in the dressing room. But it should be remembered that Gakpo was actually PSV’s captain at 22. He’s no wallflower. And in Van Dijk, it sounds like they really have the perfect man for the job.