Manchester United are currently looking short of options in their striking department and should be looking to bolster their attack when the January transfer window opens....CONTINUE READING
With Anthony Martial mostly out injured and Cristiano Ronaldo continuing to struggle in front of goals, Dutch forward Cody Gakpo has shown why he should be brought in by United to help solve their attacking woes.
The 23-year old was in action for the Netherlands national team last night in their final Group A4 match in the UEFA Nations League.
Although Gakpo wasn’t included in the starting lineup by Louis Van Gaal, the PSV star still came off the bench to make a significant impact in his nation’s qualification to the finals set to commence next June.
Replacing the injured Steven Berghuis just after the half-hour mark, Gakpo went on to record 5 key passes, complete 100 percent long balls, create 2 big chances and win 100 percent of the aerial duels he contested.
What’s more? Gakpo also made 45 touches and 1 assist in 64 minutes on the pitch as Holland defeated Belgium at the Johan Cruijff Arena to advance to the knockout rounds.
Gakpo now has 21 direct goal contributions in just 14 appearances for club and country this season and is already looking like one of the first names to be included in Van Gaal’s final squad for the coming World Cup in Qatar.
Cody’s stats and his versatility in operating at different attacking positions is exactly what Man United need now. He knows just when to drift wider or inside as either a left winger or central striker and is obviously one of those modern forwards whose touches are so decisive in front of goal.
From his displays this season, Gakpo enjoys playing with his back to goal and coupled with the fact he finds it easy to be a creative threat whether that be in transition or against teams that are comfortable in sitting back, Man United really needs to act fast.
Of course, Gakpo’s stock could rise by the end of the World Cup, but United can still get him ahead of other clubs because he’s currently using the same agents as Erik ten Hag.
