‘Definitely’: Premier League defender says £40m player Arsenal reportedly want is just like Kevin de Bruyne

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Ben Mee has compared World Cup star Cody Gakpo to Manchester City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne amid Premier League interest.

Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs who have been linked with the Netherlands forward during the course of the tournament.

He has netted in all three matches in Qatar so far and faces the prospect of a last 16 clash with the United States tomorrow.

For the Athletic, Brentford defender Mee has analysed Gakpo’s game and says that he has similar capabilities to the City midfielder.

Mee compares Gakpo with de Bruyne

Mee said of Gakpo: “There is something of Kevin De Bruyne about him, and he is developing a similar range and vision in his passing as the Manchester City man.

“I’ve seen him deliver pinpoint passes with the outside of his boot, clever balls guided round the corner or into space for team-mates to collect on the run, and he clearly has a decent cross in him.

“He hits it like De Bruyne, too, as he showed with his finish — struck so cleanly — for the opening goal against Qatar.

“Then there’s that ability to collect, spin and drive up-field with the ball, something we’ve seen De Bruyne do countless times for City and definitely a skill Gakpo replicates.”

£40 million man Gakpo was enjoying a great season with PSV Eindhoven and has taken his profile to a new level with his performances at the World Cup.

The Dutch will be favourites going into the clash with the USA, but they impressed against England and are unbeaten so far in Qatar.

If Gakpo can score again, that would go a long way towards getting the Netherlands into the last eight of a tournament which looks very open.