Dutch icon De Boer reveals why Cody Gakpo was right to snub Man Utd for Liverpool transfer in blow to Erik ten Hag
Posted Monday, January 02, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk
DUTCH legend Ronald de Boer says Cody Gakpo made the "right choice" in snubbing Manchester United for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp's Reds confirmed the signing of Holland international Gakpo, 23, for an initial £37million last month.
Cody Gakpo picked Liverpool over United after a successful World Cup
Gakpo opted to play alongside Holland captain Virgil van Dijk at Anfield instead of linking up with fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag at United, who has been tracking him since the summer.
The up-and-coming attacker spent November and December with Van Dijk at the Qatar World Cup.
In that tournament, Gakpo found the net an impressive three times.
And Dutch legend De Boer says the versatile attacker made the "right choice" in moving to Liverpool.
The ex-midfielder told talkSPORT: "I think it’s important for him, he’s better when he starts on the left and comes inside.
"I think Liverpool plays a little bit like that, I remember [Luis] Diaz playing there, who is also by the way an exceptional talent.
"So when he is fit he will have to fight for that spot.
"In the meanwhile, he [Gakpo] can grow in that role, I think Liverpool needs a player like that on that side at the moment. I think for me, this is the best choice he could have made at this moment."
Gakpo has, however, admitted the summer transfer window was "difficult" after a move to Man Utd didn't work out.
He declared: "It was difficult this summer. It was a very intense period.
"I tried to find my peace but it was difficult. I thought I was going to Man Utd, but in the end it didn’t work out.
"Leeds came in. They are a good club but I asked myself should I really go there, and when you have a lot of doubts it is not good."
Despite this, Gakpo is excited to get started at Anfield.
Gakpo, who will wear the No.18 shirt, said: "I'm really looking forward to playing at Anfield.
"I heard a lot of great stories about the stadium, about the atmosphere. I cannot wait.
"My aim is to win as many prizes as we can as a team."
Klopp is also excited by the potential his new signing has.
The German said: "There is a lot to like about Cody. He is still only 23 but already has a lot of experience.
"He was the captain of PSV, player of the year in Holland last season and had a great World Cup.
"But he has the potential to be even better."
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