Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo emerged as one of the Netherlands’ standout performers in their 3-2 loss to Austria at Euro 2024. Gakpo equalized for the Netherlands early in the second half, marking his second goal of the tournament.

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Playing on the left flank for his national team, Gakpo has been a key player for Ronald Koeman in what has been a mixed tournament for the Dutch side. Despite winning only once, the Netherlands have secured a spot in the round of 16.

Gakpo has appeared more comfortable in his national team’s orange jersey than in Liverpool’s red. He seems more at ease playing on the left, a position Jürgen Klopp has rarely allowed him to occupy since his transfer from PSV Eindhoven in the winter of 2022, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez often preferred in that role.

Gakpo’s goals at Euro 2024 have come from cutting in from the left and placing the ball into the opposite corner. He scored in the Netherlands’ opener against Poland and added his second goal in the thrilling match against Austria, a game that saw Austria top Group D under Ralf Rangnick’s leadership.

Former Liverpool players Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy praised Gakpo’s contributions. Murphy, commentating on BBC Two, noted, “The positioning of Lutsharel Geertruida started that. He’s in a midfield position rather than right-back and he won the ball back. Xavi Simons bides his time and we have seen Cody Gakpo do that many times — calm finish and a perfect start for the Dutch.”

Warnock added on BBC Radio 5 Live commentary, “Xavi Simons delivers a lovely ball into Cody Gakpo. Defensively, you have to do better. Gakpo opens up his body and passes it into the far side. That is the dream start for the Netherlands in the second half.”

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The Netherlands finished third in Group D and are set to face a tough challenge in the round of 16. Gakpo’s performances at Euro 2024 will boost his confidence, and he will be eager to bring his form back to Liverpool ahead of the new season.

Liverpool.com says: Gakpo has been fantastic for the Dutch at Euro 2024, and he’s clearly enjoying his football. Reds fans will hope he can maintain this form next season.