Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is under no illusions about Cody Gakpo's quality, with United set to miss out on the Dutch international.
Malacia opened up about his compatriot during the World Cup as Gakpo top-scored for the Netherlands in their run to the quarter-finals. The PSV frontman netted in each of his country's group-stage games against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar, before Louis van Gaal's side fell to eventual champions Argentina at the quarter-final stage.
At the time, it looked as though United could renew their interest in Gakpo after a summer move failed to materialise. Instead, though, Liverpool have stolen a march on their rivals and agreed terms with PSV over what would be a record sale for the Dutch club.
"He’s good enough for the top, there’s no doubt," Malacia said during the World Cup, per The Athletic. The defender faced off against Gakpo more than once at club level, and was playing for the opposition when the forward made his Eredivisie debut against Feyenoord in 2018.
Fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk, who is soon to be a club colleague, has also spoken highly of the 23-year-old. “I think he definitely has a next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen," he said in Qatar.
“Whether it happens in the winter or next year, time will tell. But he’s a great boy. (He) works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him. We are very pleased he’s doing so well and long may it continue.”
Will Man Utd regret missing out on Gakpo? Have your say in the comments section
"If I have the choice, I prefer [Gakpo to leave in] the summer, but it can also be now," PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said before the Liverpool news was made public. "You just know there comes a time when you can't say no."
Gakpo scored nine goals in the Eredivisie before the break for the World Cup and also notched 12 assists. He also delivered three goals and two assists in five Europa League group stage games, helping Van Nistelrooy's team finish second behind Arsenal in their group and set up a play-off clash with Sevilla.
United have reportedly turned their attention away from Gakpo and towards a more orthodox striker. Erik ten Hag's side terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract by mutual agreement, and are well-stocked in wide forward roles but looking lighter in the middle.
Portugal star Goncalo Ramos is among the contenders, according to The Athletic, after taking Ronaldo's spot at international level and scoring a hat-trick in the World Cup victory over Switzerland. Memphis Depay and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have also been linked as lower-cost January options, with both out of contract in the summer.
