It has only taken two World Cup games for Cody Gakpo to demonstrate why some of Europe's biggest names were linked with a move for his signature during the summer transfer window.
With the Netherlands destined to qualify as winners of Group A, Louis Van Gaal has Gakpo to thank for his side's impending qualification. The 22-year-old put Oranje ahead in their victory over Senegal and draw against Ecuador.
As mentioned, the PSV star was strongly rumoured to complete a summer exit from the Philips Stadion. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have all been touted as potential destinations.
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Nevertheless, it was Leeds United that, ultimately, came closest to landing a move for Gakpo. The Whites were reported to offer a club-record fee in order to clinch a deal and the player himself claimed: "I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton."
Whilst prospective January movement is currently unclear, a potential move to Newcastle United would make sense for all parties involved. As a proven performer on the biggest stage, Gakpo's presence could play an influential part in the Magpies realising their lofty ambitions.
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle's attacking unit look rejuvenated after receiving an injection of faith from management and the stands of St. James' Park. The ideology of Champions League football could even prove a major attraction for Gakpo to sign.
With that in mind, below is a profile of the exciting attacker, detailing his career achievements to date and what he could bring to the North East.
Rise to the top
Born in Eindhoven to a Togolese father and Dutch mother, Gakpo was raised in the district of Stratum. His association with PSV began in 2007 when he joined the club's youth set-up.
Having progressed through the academy ranks, he would register seven goals and five assists in 13 U19 Eredivisie league outings to earn a place in PSV's reserve team and feature in the Dutch second division.
The 2017-18 campaign would prove to be a breakout one for Gakpo, as he managed to score seven goals in just 12 Eerste Divisie games and regularly feature for the Netherlands' under-18, under-19 and under-20 teams.
As a result of such form, Phillip Cocu handed Gakpo his Eredivisie debut as a late substitute in PSV's 3-1 victory over Feyenoord in February 2018. A first goal for the senior team would follow in September against Excelsior Maassluis in the KNVB Cup.
Gakpo continued to impress for the reserve team and would be granted further first-team opportunities by Mark Van Bommel across the 2018/19 season, including a UEFA Champions League debut. He finished the season with one goal and five assists from 16 Eredivisie appearances.
Senior stardom
With first-team experience firmly under his belt, Gakpo excelled throughout 2019/2020 before the Eredivisie season was cancelled due to COVID-19. Double figures in both league goals and assists appeared likely, though postponement would leave him with seven in each column.
Plaudits continued to come Gakpo's way the following campaign as he maintained an admirable level of performance and played a major part in PSV's qualification for the UEFA Europa League. He would score 11 goals and win a first call-up to the national side for the delayed EURO 2020, debuting in Netherlands' 3-0 over North Macedonia.
Gakpo continued to go from strength to strength and proved to be PSV's major source of inspiration as Rood-Witten finished just two points behind eventual champions Ajax. He provided 25 direct goal contributions in the league and netted 21 times across all competitions to win the Dutch Footballer of the Year award.
You would be forgiven for presuming that Gakpo will not go better than that this season. Astonishingly though, he has already scored nine Eredivisie goals in addition to providing 12 assists prior to the mid-season break.
Gakpo has, evidently, carried that form into World Cup and appears to be critical to any hopes of Dutch success.
Style of play
Often featuring on the left of attack, Gakpo has proven clinical when cutting inside on his right foot into a central attacking position. Possessing electric speed and immense dribbling skills, he is capable of beating defenders and finding the space to make an attempt on goal or create a scoring opportunity.
As demonstrated with a fearsome left-footed strike against Ecuador, Gakpo is capable of using both feet and can even dominate aerially, standing around six foot two inches tall.
Van Gaal has recently described Gakpo as a "Player with a lot of talent and possibilities,” and even claimed, "whether he will become the star of the World Cup, I can't promise you that but it is possible.”
Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel De Jong added: "He's a real talent, this is the guy in form now for the Dutch team, especially with Memphis Depay not fully fit yet."
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