Cody Gakpo is no longer surprised by Noni Madueke’s good play. Thanks in part to two hits from the nineteen-year-old attacker, PSV won the Johan Cruijff Scale at the expense of Ajax (0-4) on Saturday. Madueke was also accurate twice in the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. Gakpo also emphasized in the Johan Cruijff ArenA that the resounding victory over the reigning national champion does not provide any guarantees in the approaching battle for the national title.
“We were hungry to win this game. We were already in a good flow”, Gakpo referred to the Champions League matches with Galatasaray and FC Midtjylland. “That includes this competition and it is a prize.” The attacker sees progress in Eindhoven. “I think as a team we are sharp and fit. That we were tactically good and struck at the right times. Twice with Noni Madueke and in the second half we finished well.”
For the time being, PSV gives the impression that they are able to more or less decide matches at an early stage. “I think we have found a good balance. We had that last year too, but we’re a bit further now. We recognize the moments in a game well. When there must be high pressing and when you have to play on the counter. That is in our game.”
Gakpo himself is only 22 years old, but he is not surprised by the qualities of the three years younger Madueke. He had to think about the question for a few seconds. “I’m not surprised. I train with him. So I know what he can do. He showed it last season and before. Only now it comes out in the games. He is going through a very good development. I hope he continues like this. That is good for him and for us.”
Guarantees do not provide success in Amsterdam for the rest of the season, Gakpo emphasized. According to the attacker, the 0-4 victory basically says nothing about the chances in the battle for the national title. “We have to develop further. We now have to tackle that duel with Midtjylland and then just go game by game. The competition is something different, we have to be there again.”