Chris Sutton hails Arsenal target Cody Gakpo’s ‘brilliant innovation’ at the World Cup

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Arsenal target Cody Gakpo was the star of the show yesterday as he helped the Netherlands win their opening game at the World Cup against Senegal.

The Dutch were made to work very hard by the African champions in Qatar. Even without Sadio Mane, Senegal looked really good, but Gakpo made the difference late in the game.

Chris Sutton hails Arsenal target Cody Gakpo

The Netherlands went into the game against Senegal as the favourites to win, and they did just that. However, it wasn’t as convincing as the 2-0 scoreline suggests.

It wasn’t a great display at all by the Dutch. Senegal were arguably the better side in the first half, and the game looked destined to finish 0-0.

However, a moment of sheer brilliance from Gakpo broke the deadlock. The PSV star got on the end of a brilliant ball from Frenkie De Jong, but his body position made it very difficult for him to execute a normal header.

Gakpo improvised and managed to score with what looked like the back of his head, and Sutton was blown away by his ‘brilliant innovation’.

The pundit said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “They (Netherlands) just needed that moment of quality.

“The ball was on the money. Gakpo just had to find the pace of the ball, whipped in brilliantly by De Jong. It comes off the back of his head, it’s brilliant innovation from Gakpo. That’s a huge goal from a Netherlands team who really haven’t threatened in this second half.

“Mendy shouldn’t come, he gambles. Dreadful goalkeeping from Mendy, it really is.”

Arsenal should sign him

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are currently on top of the Premier League table and will be there until Christmas, but Manchester City are still many people’s favorites to retain their title.

However, if the Gunners can get their January transfers right, they could go on and achieve something really special this season – Gakpo would be a fantastic signing.

The 23-year-old, who has long been linked with a move to Arsenal, has scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists in all competitions. That is an outrageous return for someone so young, and he will surely be a wanted man in the winter window.

Gakpo was previously valued at around £40 million, but if he continues to shine in the World Cup, PSV will demand a lot more than that in January.