Liverpool were very well represented on the international scene when Euro 2024 and Copa America got underway.
But the long list of Reds players lining out for their nations has declined as the two major tournaments have progressed.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be happy for his players, but at the same time he will want them back as soon as possible.
The Dutchman will currently be preparing himself and his limited squad for the new season, which is rapidly approaching.
He has already carried out his first press conference, with former Reds defender Jamie Carragher claiming Slot ‘came across really well’.
Gary Neville spoke to Ruud van Nistelrooy about about Cody Gakpo
Carragher’s fellow pundit Gary Neville has now been discussing one of Slot’s new players at Euro 2024, with Cody Gakpo having helped the Netherlands reach the semi-finals.
The winger darted in at the back post to force an own goal from Turkey’s Mert Muldur, with the Netherlands winning 2-1 in Germany.
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Neville was very impressed by the Liverpool attacker, having discussed Gakpo with Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed the winger at PSV.
“He looks really sharp, Gakpo,” Neville said on ITV 1 (10.02pm, 6 July). “There were times for Liverpool when you wondered, he played deeper, sometimes he played more central, but I went to see Ruud van Nistelrooy maybe 18 months ago now, maybe 12 months ago.
“He said that Gakpo is definitely a left-sided player, left-sided forward. That is his best position. I think he has proved that in this tournament. That was a really good run from the back post.”
What role will Cody Gakpo play under Arne Slot?
Slot has already addressed his admiration for Gakpo, with the manager impressed by the player at Euro 2024 so far.
He is currently the joint-leader in the scoring charts in Germany, level on three goals with three other players.
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But there is a very good chance that the Golden Boot will go his way given that he is the only player among that quartet who is still in the competition.
It remains to be seen, however, what role he will play under Slot next season, given both his versatility and the other talented forwards at Anfield.
Gakpo registered 16 goals and six assists for Liverpool last time out, playing all across the frontline and even in midfield.
But the 25-year-old is shining very brightly at left-wing for the Netherlands, a position he should occupy for his club in the months and years to come.
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