Cody Gakpo is looking to become the Netherlands’s first-choice center-forward at this week’s UEFA Nations League finals. Originally a left-winger, the 24-year-old player has been adapting to this role since joining Liverpool in January from PSV Eindhoven.
“Now that I’m playing at Liverpool I think it’s a nice position,” Gakpo told reporters on Sunday as the Netherlands prepares for the tournament. With Memphis Depay unavailable through injury, Gakpo is now in a prime position to lead the Dutch attack.
Gakpo went on to admit that several coaches had previously tried to convince him to switch from the wing to striker; a change that he resisted. During his interview, Gakpo said he has grown fond of his new position.
According to the player, Guus Hiddink was the first coach to recommend the change, telling Gakpo to become either a striker or a false number 9. During his time at PSV, Gakpo was given the same advice by Roger Schmidt.
While Gakpo completed his shift to the center during his time at Liverpool, it was during the 2022 World Cup that he began his transition.
The Netherlands is set to face Croatia on Wednesday, with Spain and Italy competing in the other semi-final. Both the game for 3rd place and the final are set to be played on Sunday.
