Cody Gakpo, a young and promising talent in the world of football, has been making waves in the Dutch football scene. Born on May 7, 1999, in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Gakpo started his football journey at a very young age. His passion for the game and determination to succeed has led him to become one of the most highly sought-after players in the Netherlands.

At the age of 22, Gakpo has already made a name for himself as a dynamic winger with incredible speed, technique, and creativity on the field. His impressive performances for PSV Eindhoven have caught the attention of top European clubs, and he is considered to be one of the most promising talents in Dutch football. In this article, we will dive into Gakpo’s journey to success and find out what makes him stand out from the rest.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Born and raised in Eindhoven, Gakpo grew up in a football-loving family. His father, who was also a footballer, saw potential in him at a very young age and encouraged him to pursue his passion for the game. Gakpo started playing football at the age of 4 and joined his local club, VV Gestel, at the age of 7.

His talent was evident from the beginning, and he quickly rose through the ranks at VV Gestel, attracting the attention of bigger clubs. At the age of 11, Gakpo joined the youth academy of PSV Eindhoven, one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands. He progressed through the youth teams and eventually made his professional debut for PSV at the age of 19.

His talent was apparent from the start, and he swiftly progressed at VV Gestel, drawing interest from larger clubs

The Importance of Youth Academies in Developing Young Players

The Dutch football system is well known for its emphasis on youth development. With a population of only 17 million, the Netherlands has produced some of the best footballers in the world, and this is largely due to the country’s strong youth academies. These academies focus on developing players from a young age, providing them with the necessary skills and training to succeed at the professional level.

One of the most renowned youth academies in the Netherlands is that of PSV Eindhoven, where Cody Gakpo spent most of his footballing journey. The club’s academy is known for its holistic approach to player development, which focuses not only on football skills but also on personal development. This approach has produced many top-quality players over the years, and Gakpo is one of the latest success stories.

Skills and Training at PSV Academy

At the PSV academy, Cody Gakpo received top-level coaching from experienced and knowledgeable coaches. He was taught the importance of technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness. The academy also places a strong emphasis on mental and emotional development, teaching players how to handle pressure and deal with setbacks.

Apart from regular training sessions, the academy also organizes friendly matches and tournaments against other top clubs in Europe. This provides players like Gakpo with the opportunity to test their skills against some of the best young talents in the continent. Such exposure at a young age is crucial for their development and helps them adapt to the intensity and competitiveness of professional football.

Transition to Professional Football

In 2018, Gakpo signed his first professional contract with PSV, and he made his debut for the senior team in the same year. He was initially part of the reserve team, Jong PSV, but his impressive performances earned him a call-up to the first team. Cody Gakpo continued to shine, and in the 2019/2020 season, he became a regular starter for PSV.

Playing Style and Strengths of Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo is known for his electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and ability to take on defenders. He is also a clinical finisher in front of goal and has an eye for creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His playing style has drawn comparisons to that of fellow Dutch winger, Arjen Robben.

His style of play has been likened to that of another Dutch winger, Arjen Robben

Pace and Dribbling Skills

Gakpo’s speed and agility make him a constant threat on the wings. He possesses excellent acceleration and can quickly change direction, leaving defenders in his wake. His close control and quick footwork allow him to dribble past opponents with ease, making him a nightmare for opposition defenders.

Goal-Scoring Ability

Despite being primarily a winger, Gakpo has a keen eye for goal. He has a powerful and accurate shot, and his positioning inside the box is excellent. In the 2020/2021 season, he scored 9 goals in 24 appearances for PSV, an impressive feat for a young player in his first full season.

Areas of Improvement

As with any young player, Cody Gakpo still has areas of improvement in his game. His decision-making in the final third can be inconsistent at times, and he needs to improve his defensive contributions. However, these are aspects that can be worked on with experience and coaching.

Rise to Prominence

In the 2019/2020 season, Gakpo’s performances caught the attention of many, and he was touted as one of the most promising talents in Dutch football. He continued to impress in the following season, establishing himself as a regular starter for PSV. His performance against VVV Venlo, where he scored his first hat-trick for the club, was a testament to his growing confidence and ability on the field.

International Career

Gakpo’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed by the Dutch national team coach, Frank de Boer. In November 2020, he was called up to the senior team for the first time for a friendly against Spain. He made his debut for the national team in that match, becoming the first PSV player in 20 years to make his international debut at such a young age.

Cody Gakpo has since made a total of 5 appearances for the Dutch national team, scoring his first goal in a World Cup Qualifier against Gibraltar in March 2021. His impressive performances have earned him a spot in the squad for the upcoming Euro 2020, where he will be hoping to make a significant impact.

Clubs Interested in Gakpo

With his impressive performances for PSV and the Dutch national team, Gakpo has become one of the most sought-after players in the Netherlands. Several top clubs in Europe have expressed their interest in signing him, with some even making official bids. Among them are Italian giants, AC Milan, and French powerhouse, Olympique Lyon.

AC Milan’s Interest in Gakpo

In January 2021, reports emerged that AC Milan had made an official bid for Gakpo, believed to be around €25 million. The club’s sporting director, Ricky Massara, confirmed their interest in the player, stating that they have been following him closely for some time.

AC Milan’s interest is not surprising, as they have a history of signing promising talents from the Netherlands. Current players, Davide Calabria and Jens Petter Hauge, were both signed from Eredivisie clubs, and the club seems keen on adding Cody Gakpo to their ranks.

Olympique Lyon’s Bid for Gakpo

In April 2021, French club Olympique Lyon also made an official bid for Cody Gakpo, reported to be around €20 million. They see him as a potential replacement for Memphis Depay, who is expected to leave the club in the summer. Gakpo’s playing style and strengths are similar to that of Depay, and Lyon believes he can fill the void left by their star player.

Future Prospects

At only 22 years of age, Gakpo has a long and promising career ahead of him. With his performances for PSV and the Dutch national team, it is evident that he has the potential to become one of the best wingers in the world. His versatility and adaptability make him a valuable asset for any club, and he has all the makings of a future superstar.

European Football Experience

With interest from top European clubs, Cody Gakpo may soon be playing outside the Netherlands for the first time in his career. Such a move will provide him with the opportunity to experience a new football culture and test himself against some of the best players in the world. This exposure will undoubtedly contribute to his growth and development as a player.

National Team Success

Gakpo’s rise to prominence has also coincided with a resurgence of the Dutch national team. After failing to qualify for two consecutive major tournaments, the Netherlands has made it to Euro 2020, and they have a strong squad that can challenge for the title. Cody Gakpo’s inclusion in the team adds depth and quality to an already talented group of players, and he could play a crucial role in their success.

Off the Field

Off the field, Cody Gakpo is known for his humility and down-to-earth personality. He is well-respected by his teammates and coaches, and he remains grounded despite the attention and fame he has gained in recent years. He is also involved in charitable work, supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for underprivileged children to play football.

Social Media Presence

Gakpo is active on social media, where he shares updates about his football journey and personal life with his fans. He has a growing following on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, where he often posts pictures and videos of his training sessions and matches.

Conclusion

Cody Gakpo’s journey to success is an inspiration for young footballers all over the world. His passion, determination, and hard work have led him to become one of the most exciting talents in Dutch football. With his impressive performances for PSV and the Dutch national team, it is only a matter of time before he becomes a household name in European football. As he continues to develop and improve, we can expect to see Cody Gakpo reach even greater heights in the coming years.