Ronald de Boer believes Cody Gakpo has made the right choice after the PSV Eindhoven star opted to join Liverpool despite interest from Manchester United.
Gakpo was on Man Utd's radar over the summer, with Erik ten Hag's side close to moving for the forward before ultimately opting for another Eredivisie talent in the form of Antony. There had been suggestions United might renew their interest in January after letting Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club, but Liverpool struck early to confirm a deal before the window has even opened.
A Dutch international and Champions League winner with Ajax, De Boer was asked for his verdict on Gakpo making his first foray away from the Eredivisie. As the 23-year-old waits for his Liverpool debut, he will do so knowing he has the backing of his compatriot.
“I think it’s important for him, he’s better when he starts on the left and comes inside," De Boer told talkSPORT. “I think Liverpool plays a little bit like that, I remember [Luis] Diaz playing there, who is also by the way an exceptional talent.
“So when he is fit he will have to fight for that spot. In the meanwhile, he [Gakpo] can grow in that role, I think Liverpool needs a player like that on that side at the moment. I think for me, this is the best choice he could have made at this moment.”
While Gakpo can operate through the middle as well as out wide, Liverpool's options at the moment suggest he may well be called upon to start from the left when he is available to make his debut. Colombia international Diaz suffered a setback in his recovery from injury, while Diogo Jota - another option from the left - is still working his way back to fitness.
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Gakpo has scored 13 goals this season for PSV, and also netted three times at the World Cup. He was on target in all three of the Netherlands' group games, and also started the quarter-final against Argentina as Louis van Gaal's side were eliminated on penalties.
“It really is great news for us that we have been able to do it and I have to say it has been a fantastic job by everyone involved, especially Julian [sporting director Julian Ward]," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said of the signing. "The work that has gone into this has been really impressive.
"And in the end we have managed to sign a player who we have known about for quite some time and who we believe will have a really bright future with us. There is a lot to like about Cody. He is still only 23 years old but he already has a lot of experience."
