Fans of Liverpool will surely recognize this moment. It was the 54th minute of the Netherlands’ World Cup meeting with Sweden, where Cody Gakpo picked up the ball on the left side of the penalty box and cut in onto his right foot.
The Premier League version of Gakpo often sends shots soaring into the stands from similar positions. However, in this World Cup context, he was a picture of finesse—swift, composed, and lethal. After steadying himself, he struck a shot that pierced past the Swedish goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt.
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Gakpo’s remarkable performance has now culminated in five goals across seven World Cup matches, solidifying his impact in this 5-1 victory. With 23 goals in 52 international outings, he has demonstrated a scoring rate exceeding one goal every two games.
It’s not fair to say he hasn’t showcased his talent at Liverpool. Gakpo netted 18 times during the club’s Premier League triumph in the 2024-25 season, becoming an integral part of Arne Slot’s successful squad, contributing both defensively and offensively.
However, those standout performances have become more sporadic. Last season, he managed a modest nine goals in 52 appearances, with his current Liverpool tally resting at 50 goals in 180 games. While respectable, it’s not the same player Liverpool envisioned after his standout performances in Qatar prior to his transfer from PSV to Anfield, where he scored in all three group matches.
Gakpo reflected on this contrast, stating, “It’s a little bit different how I play here, where the coach wants me to be, and the freedom that I have at the club.” He trailed off, perhaps realizing he had divulged too much.
His performance in Houston was undoubtedly bolstered by teammate Brian Brobbey, a striker for Sunderland, who proved a formidable challenge for the Swedish defense. Atalanta center-back Isak Hien struggled against Brobbey, who utilized his strength and speed to devastating effect, scoring an early double.
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“We’ve always known how strong he is,” Gakpo remarked, chuckling. “His hold-up play and timing in the box are exceptional. We made the best use of his attributes today with two swift counter-attacks. He even held the ball up initially and made a run towards the goal. I’m thrilled for him to have scored two goals.”
Prior to the tournament, questions surrounded the Dutch attack, seen as their weakest link. However, defensively, talents like Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, and Denzel Dumfries appear world-class. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, and Tijjani Reijnders form a midfield as effective as any in the tournament.
But concerns arose about the source of goals. Brobbey had netted just once in 13 caps before this match, while Gakpo had seen inconsistency with Liverpool this season. Meanwhile, Crysencio Summerville faced relegation with West Ham and the presence of Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst on the roster further indicated a lack of depth in the squad.
Brian Brobbey scores the Netherlands’ first goal of the game.
After swapping Crysencio for Brobbey in the starting lineup following their 2-2 draw with Japan, Ronald Koeman harnessed a dynamic, versatile attack that thoroughly dismantled the Swedish defense.
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In this match, Brobbey and Gakpo each scored twice, with Crysencio contributing a fifth goal. Gakpo, Summerville, and Memphis (who came on as a substitute) provided assists, along with Dumfries, who assisted twice from the right back position. Have the Dutch been underestimated?
“We possess a variety of strengths,” Gakpo noted. “Speed, proficient hold-up play, and efficacy in the box. Memphis displayed his quality as well. Even on the bench, we have talents like Justin Kluivert and Weghorst, both yet to play, adding more diversity and skill to support the team at any moment.
“Japan played with great discipline, leading to fewer opportunities than we had today. We varied our attacking movement and positioning more effectively, making it harder for defenders to mark us, which possibly contributed to our struggles in the previous match.”