Cody Gakpo was the architect of the Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Sweden – and left Liverpool supporters with one big question: Why do they never see this version of the left-winger at Anfield?
Sad for the Swedes that the Gakpo code was going to be cracked right now! – No one saw it coming.
The 27-year-old was everywhere. He scored, he created, he led. In Houston, he delivered a Dutch masterclass of the rare, proving once again that he is a completely different type of player when he puts on the orange national team jersey.
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For Gakpo, it’s not just the shirt that changes. That is freedom. That’s the role. It’s the whole game.
The clinical Gakpo finds tournament form
Liverpool supporters are used to seeing Gakpo cut in from the left wing. But what they see at Anfield often lacks the crushing precision he displays for the Netherlands.
Against Sweden, he was merciless. He hammered the ball into the far corner with a shot that screamed confidence – a finish that showed how comfortable he is in Ronald Koeman’s system.
With 23 goals in 52 caps, Gakpo has a scoring rate for his country that far exceeds his club form. In comparison, he scored just nine goals in 52 games for Liverpool in the 2024–25 season, despite being an important piece in Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning team.
The phenomenon of “World Cup Gakpo” is clearly very real. The former PSV player continues to deliver the best on the pitch for the biggest stages.
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The tactical “freedom” behind the Dutch boom
When asked why he is reaching a whole new level with the national team, Gakpo suggested that it has to do with tactical differences – and perhaps a bit of frustration with club life.
“It’s a little different,” he admitted.
“How I play here, where the coach wants me, the freedom I have at the club…
He stopped himself mid-sentence – as if he was afraid to start a controversy at Liverpool’s training centre.
“That’s really it,” he said cautiously.
The Dutch striker thrived in a fluid attacking line that seemed far more balanced than the one that struggled against Japan in the opening match. Together with Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, Gakpo benefited from a striker who tied up defenders and created space for his characteristic run into the box.
The “different freedom” not only gave him two goals – but also an assist. At the same time, the tournament passed 100 goals faster than at any time since 1958.
Brobbey praised by both coach and teammate
While Gakpo stole the headlines, Koeman was quick to highlight Brobbey’s importance. The powerful striker got his chance from the start – and paid back with two goals in the first half.
“In the first goal, you have everything we want. We know Brian is good at it,” Koeman said.
– It starts with Bart Verbruggen, who lets him off perfectly. Then we have a lot of speed, and Brian is again in the right place in front of goal. You can’t score a more perfect goal – from goalkeeper to scoring.
Gakpo echoed the praises, noting how Brobbey’s physique transformed the Dutch attack. The striker scored twice in 17 minutes and laid the foundation for a dominance that is rarely seen.
“We knew what qualities he has all the time. He’s very, very strong,” Gakpo said with a smile.
“The way he holds up the ball and gets into the box at the right moment – it’s absolutely fantastic. We made perfect use of his qualities and I’m very happy that he scored two goals.
Koeman demands more – despite the big win
Despite the impressive 5-1 victory, Koeman is still a difficult man to please. The Netherlands want to establish themselves as a real title contender, and the manager pointed out that Sweden created problems during periods of tactical adjustments.
“A brilliant result, but enough moments where we have to say: It could have been better,” Koeman warned.
“Despite the 5-1 win, you see moments where they start to play differently and it takes us too long to notice that.
The win gives a much-needed boost for the Oranje, who had received criticism after a draw in the opening match. Koeman acknowledged that the mood has changed.
“Of course you want to win every game. You’ll also start the tournament with a win – it brings calm. Perhaps the substitutes were better this time than in the previous game. We knew this was a must-win game. But I didn’t feel any nervousness,” he said.
