Cody Gakpo has been the Netherlands star man in their World Cup campaign so far.
He has scored three goals in three games, which could drive up his price tag amid claims Manchester United want to sign him, reported by ESPN Netherlands.
So while there has been plenty of praise for his performances, not everybody is so impressed, and it’s interesting to hear some balance, which should be of interest where Manchester United are concerned.
Dutch sports journalist Valentijn Driessen believes Gakpo is simply the best of a very bad bunch, and has been shining against poor opposition.
Dutch pundit plays down Gakpo impact
Driessen was quoted by FCUpdate laying into manager Louis van Gaal, who managed Manchester United between 2014 and 2016.
He said Van Gaal’s methods have let Dutch football down, speaking after their 2-0 victory over Qatar.
He said: “It is to be ashamed of how this Orange team has so far thrown away the great name and appearance of our country as an adventurous football nation at the World Cup.
“The game is a parody of Dutch football and what it stands for.”
He went onto explain that Cody Gakpo had not particularly moved him.
“The only one who shows anything on this world stage is attacker Cody Gakpo. Without playing well, because in terms of level he shares in the overall malaise. However, the PSV player scored in his third World Cup game in a row.
“Special, but not to immediately hang the garlands, because the opponents were of a sad level.”
Netherlands face USA in the last 16 after finishing top of their group with two wins and one draw.
Manchester United will likely have to shell out a big fee for Gakpo in order to sign him from PSV Eindhoven.
Driessen’s comments suggest the club might not want to break the bank just yet, and the club should further evaluate how he fares in the knockout stages.
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