Cody Gakpo appeared visibly frustrated with a decision made by Ronald Koeman during the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Poland on Sunday.
Gakpo played a crucial role in the match, scoring the equalizer for his team and helping them secure a win to start their Euro 2024 campaign on a positive note. However, he was substituted with 10 minutes remaining while the game was still tied, a decision that left him perplexed.
After the match, the 25-year-old expressed his confusion over Koeman’s choice to withdraw him, particularly given the critical nature of the game at that moment.
Gakpo stated, “I don’t know why I had to come out, but at least there was nothing wrong with me.” His comments highlighted his surprise and dissatisfaction, especially since he felt he was performing well and contributing significantly to his team’s efforts.
Despite Gakpo’s frustration at being substituted in the 81st minute, Koeman’s decision proved to be effective. Wout Weghorst, who was part of the double substitution alongside Cody Gakpo, scored the winning goal for the Netherlands shortly after coming on.
This goal secured the victory for the Oranje and validated Koeman’s tactical move, even if it initially seemed questionable to Gakpo and others.
Until his substitution, Gakpo had been one of the most threatening players on the pitch. He had already found the back of the net in the first half and had taken more shots than any of his teammates, contributing to half of the team’s shots on target, according to Sofascore. His performance demonstrated his offensive prowess and his importance to the team’s attacking play.
Fortunately, Gakpo ruled out any injury concerns in his post-match comments, clarifying that his substitution was not due to any physical issues. Given his impressive performance over the weekend, he is likely to be included in the starting lineup for the Netherlands’ next match against France on Friday night. His contributions will be vital as the Oranje face a formidable opponent in the French team.
From a Liverpool perspective, Gakpo’s performance is encouraging. Seeing him score again and maintain his form bodes well for his club, and Koeman should continue to provide him with opportunities to impact games for the Dutch national team.
His strong showing on Sunday demonstrates his capability to perform at a high level, and he remains an essential player for both club and country.
