Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands’ new head coach, believes Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool too soon and is struggling to adjust to life with a struggling squad.
Cody Gakpo, who is currently 23 years old, scored three goals in five games to help the Netherlands reach the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January but has yet to score in six games.
In reaction to Cody Gakpo’s performance at Anfield, Koeman said:
He has ended up in a team that is not doing well.
If you don’t score or you’re not important and you don’t win any matches, it’s very difficult, especially for a young player.
If that was someone aged 28, with experience, it would be different.
Gakpo previously played for PSV in the Eredivisie this season, appearing in 14 games and recording nine goals and 12 assists.
Former Everton manager Koeman, who is currently in charge of the Netherlands for the second time, has stated that young Dutch players making the transition to higher-level divisions may find it difficult to adjust.
Ronald Koeman stated on a YouTube show hosted by former footballer Andy van der Meyde that the “level in England is higher than in the Netherlands,” making it difficult for Dutch youngsters to succeed in the Premier League.
But they are also young boys, aren’t they? Like [Ryan] Gravenberch going to Bayern [Munich] and not playing. Then that is difficult, the coach added.