Cody Gakpo is a young, up-and-coming football player from the Netherlands. He currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie and has caught the attention of many with his impressive performances on the pitch. At just 22 years old, Gakpo has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising players in Dutch football.
Gakpo’s Influence on the Dutch Style of Play
Gakpo is a product of the renowned PSV youth academy, known for producing top talents such as Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum. He has been playing for PSV since he was just 11 years old and has developed an understanding of the Dutch style of play from a young age.
The Dutch Style of Play
The Dutch style of play, also known as “Total Football,” is characterized by fluidity, creativity, and attacking prowess. It has been a part of Dutch football culture for decades and has produced some of the most entertaining and successful teams in history, such as the Ajax team of the 1970s and the Netherlands national team of the 1980s.
One of the key aspects of the Dutch style of play is the emphasis on technical ability and skill. Players are encouraged to be comfortable on the ball, have good passing and dribbling abilities, and possess a high level of creativity. This style of play also involves constant movement, with players interchanging positions and creating space for each other.
Gakpo’s Skills and Strengths
Gakpo is a perfect fit for the Dutch style of play, as he possesses all the necessary skills and strengths to excel in this system. Let’s take a closer look at some of his key skills and how they contribute to the Dutch style of play.
Dribbling
Gakpo is an exceptional dribbler, with the ability to glide past defenders with ease. He has excellent close control and is able to change direction quickly, making it difficult for opponents to dispossess him. This skill is crucial in the Dutch style of play, where players are expected to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities.
In the 2020/21 Eredivisie season, Gakpo completed an impressive 3.8 dribbles per game, with a success rate of 60%. This shows his confidence and effectiveness when taking on opponents, making him a dangerous attacking threat.
Passing
Passing is another essential aspect of the Dutch style of play, and Gakpo excels in this area as well. He has a wide range of passing abilities, including short, quick passes to keep the ball moving, as well as long, accurate passes to switch the play or find a teammate in a dangerous position.
Gakpo’s passing accuracy in the 2020/21 season was an impressive 87%, showing his ability to consistently find his teammates and keep possession for his team. He also registered six assists in the league, further demonstrating his vision and creativity as a passer.
Shooting
As an attacking player, Gakpo’s shooting abilities are also worth noting. He has a powerful left foot and is not afraid to shoot from distance. He has scored some incredible goals for PSV, showcasing his technique and accuracy when striking the ball.
In the 2020/21 season, Gakpo scored 9 goals in the Eredivisie, making him the joint-top scorer for PSV alongside Donyell Malen. This shows his importance as a goal-scoring threat and his ability to finish chances when given the opportunity.
Gakpo’s Impact on the Future of Dutch Football
At just 22 years old, Gakpo has already made a significant impact on the future of Dutch football. He has been a part of the Dutch national team set-up since the youth level and is widely expected to be a key player for the senior national team in the coming years.
Gakpo’s playing style and abilities perfectly align with the Dutch style of play, making him an ideal fit for the national team. With the Netherlands currently going through a transition phase, Gakpo’s presence will be vital in maintaining the country’s strong footballing identity and producing successful teams in the future.
Moreover, Gakpo’s success at such a young age serves as an inspiration for other young players in the Netherlands. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to break into top-level football and make a name for oneself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cody Gakpo is a talented and promising young player who has all the necessary skills and strengths to excel in the Dutch style of play. His impressive performances for PSV Eindhoven have caught the attention of many, and he is expected to have a bright future ahead of him.