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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matthew Holt

Ruud van Nistlerooy makes 'strong' Cody Gakpo claim following Real Madrid performance

PSV Eindhoven boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has praised striker Cody Gakpo after his strong showings for the Reds in recent weeks.

Gakpo, 23, opened his account for Jurgen Klopp's side during the 2-0 win against Everton earlier this month and looks to finally be setting into life on Merseyside. The Dutch international also netted in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Newcastle five days later.

Joining from PSV in January, Gakpo often faced criticism for his lack of threat in front of goal, with Jurgen Klopp's trust seemingly paying dividends in recent weeks.

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Van Nistelrooy - who allowed the forward to join Liverpool last month - was keen to issue his praise despite Liverpool's defeat against Real Madrid in midweek, believing it was only a matter of time before the 23-year-old got to grips with the demands of English football.

“I thought Cody was strong. Just like all of Liverpool in the first 20 minutes,” he told De Telegraaf.

“They were blowing away Real Madrid and Cody was strong. He had some great ball-saving moments, playing the ball to the side and moving well.

“Cody also had some switching moments after ball loss, winning the ball back and looked very sharp. But that was also the case against Newcastle United, when he scored his first goal, and in the derby against Everton. You see he adapts quickly to that level.”

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