According to Louis van Gaal, Cody Gakpo has what it takes to become one of the great trendsetters at the the Dutch during the World Cup. The PSV attacker scored the opening goal during the first match against Senegal (0-2) and was afterwards praised by the foreign media. “Gakpo is the Dutch future and one of the greatest talents the country has. PSV does not want to let him go and that is not surprising: he is the new super talent that drives the whole of Europe crazy,” concluded journalist and transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio .
Van Gaal spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon together with Denzel Dumfries. The national coach of the Dutch national team has no reason to worry yet, as all players are fit for the time being and the the Dutch has started the World Cup sovereignly. He barely commented on the setup. “If I’m going to tell who starts and who doesn’t start, I’ll have a look at my cards. I don’t know Ecuador’s lineup either. I don’t know if Enner plays Valencia, that saves a sip on a drink.” The attacker of Ecuador, twice accurate against Qatar (0-2), fell out with an injury during the opening game.
The Dutch national team has been talking about the employability of Memphis Depay for weeks. The Barcelona striker played half an hour against Senegal and can play a maximum of three quarters of an hour against Ecuador. “I can’t answer questions about Memphis yet. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to open my cards now,” said Van Gaal, who then answered. “We have always included Memphis in the game forms, for the uncontrolled movements. We are now going to the next step. That is 45 minutes. With an injury like that it is always difficult, when can you start? We have data and after comparisons come we decide when he will play 90 minutes.”
Who seems sure of his place in the team is Gakpo. The winger started against Senegal as number 10, was head responsible for the 0-1 and seems to start as an attacker against Ecuador next to Steven Bergwijn. Vincent Janssen is allegedly victimized. Van Gaal: “Gakpo is a player with a lot of talent and possibilities, but he is still young,” said the national coach. “He can still improve a lot. He is a type who will do anything for it. I don’t know whether he will be the star of the World Cup, but he can become one.”