Liverpool may have just been offered an exciting glimpse into the future after Cody Gakpo returned to goalscoring form for his country.
There was plenty to keep Reds fans interested in the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Spain. Despite an injured Ryan Gravenberch having to return to Liverpool, Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk both started, and they weren’t the only ones worth keeping an eye on.
Jeremie Frimpong was also named in the lineup as speculation grows over his future, with Liverpool.com understanding that the Reds hold a genuine interest in the Bayer Leverkusen star as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Not only that, but Jorrel Hato lined up alongside Van Dijk in defense, with the Ajax star having also been linked to Liverpool after his visit to Anfield earlier this year.
Things didn’t get off to a great start for Hato though. Playing at left-back, the 19-year-old was at fault for Spain’s opener as he was caught on the ball by Lamine Yamal, with the Barcelona ace able to play the ball on to his club teammate Pedri, who in turn found Nico Williams to turn his defender and slot the ball home.
The Netherlands though offered much of the threat during the first half, with Frimpong in particular proving a handful for Spain’s defense. It was no surprise then when the 24-year-old played a huge hand in the equalizer, with Gakpo providing the finishing touch.
Frimpong managed to hold off a number of Spanish players as he embarked on a superb run, managing to pick up a dangerous position on the right before laying the ball off to a teammate. Although the resultant cross didn’t manage to find another Dutch player, it was quickly won back and played on to Gakpo, who managed to squeeze the ball home through the tightest of gaps.
(Image: Getty Images)
Gakpo’s goal will come as huge encouragement for Liverpool fans, and gives the perfect response amid concerns over his fitness following his recent return from injury. Things could have got even better for him during the first half, with his superb through ball to Memphis Depay deserving better as the former Manchester United man fired the ball over.
Frimpong though wasn’t done yet, and he was at the heart of the Netherlands taking the lead straight after the break. He left Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella for dead before picking his head up and finding the onrushing Tijjani Reijnders, who coolly turned the ball home.
If Liverpool is looking at Frimpong as an option to replace Alexander-Arnold, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes will be massively encouraged after seeing the way he and Gakpo performed for their country, and hoping they could potentially bring the same energy to Anfield.
