Cody Gakpo sends clear message to Arne Slot at Euro 2024 ahead of Liverpool pre-season

Cody Gakpo made a perfect start to his Euro 2024 campaign and sent a clear message to new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

The 25-year-old scored for the Netherlands in their tournament opener against Poland. The Dutch had already fallen behind to an Adam Buksa header, with Virgil van Dijk beaten into the air from a corner.

The Liverpool captain almost brought it back to national level moments later, but saw his volley saved by Wojciech Szczesny. His Reds teammate was, however, present to allow the Netherlands to prepare for the tournament.

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Gakpo cut inside from the left before firing a shot from just outside the box, the effort being deflected by Jan Bednarek. It was, however, a fitting reward for what was an impressive first half from the Liverpool star.

“Well, it would always be that man, Cody Gakpo, who would come in from the left,” said former Arsenal defender Martin Keown while commentating for the BBC. “I think there he just decided to take a punt but look at the space he has.

“It takes away a two-player deflection. Wojciech Szczesny has absolutely no chance with this one.