When Arne Slot previously came up against Ruud van Nistelrooy he was left rather envious at one particular weapon at his compatriot’s disposal.
“I lost once and drew once (against Van Nistelrooy),” said Slot before this game. “Cody Gakpo was in his team, so I’m happy he’s in my team now because I think in both games he scored.” Make that three from three in the trio’s new setting.
Because while PSV Eindhoven vs Feyenoord is a big fixture in the Netherlands, those who impress in it and games like it know the scrutiny that will await them should they ever end up moving to the Premier League. Can they really cut it in England?
It is a test that Van Nistelrooy passed with flying colours during his playing career, and while we’ll have to see what becomes of him as a manager, it is a test that is also being aced by ex-Feyenoord boss Slot and former PSV forward Gakpo as Liverpool drive towards the title.
As if those ribbons are indeed to be Liverpool red come May, then many may well cast their minds back to Gakpo’s latest goalscoring contribution to a Slot vs Van Nistelrooy match, with his superb strike in the last knockings of an angsty, fog-filled Anfield first half coming at a perfect time.
As that fog descended the mood had threatened to as well, until Gakpo – who had been Liverpool’s best outlet throughout the opening period, giving James Justin a torrid time by cutting inside onto his Grade A weapon of a right foot – showed that he can be just as deft as he can be direct.
Gakpo’s gorgeous caress into the far corner of the net was his 10th goal of the season, making him the third player in Liverpool red to reach double figures for the campaign.
All but two of those goals have come in the past two months, as Gakpo has grown into a crucial cog for Slot thanks to vital goalscoring contributions in the glamour games against Real Madrid and Manchester City as well as the muck and bullets ones against Brighton, Fulham and here, when the tension is high, visibility is low and a title race statement has to be made.
Gakpo was brilliant against Leicester, following up his goal with a superb second half display full of running, threat and what would have been a second goal but for a linesman’s flag. Despite that, he showed how he has become a valuable Premier League performer under the guidance of his grateful manager.
Slot is getting the best out of Gakpo, having seen what he is capable of when he was on the other side. Now together, they are heading in what looks to be an unstoppable direction.
