Gakpo,The Euro 2020 tournament has been filled with thrilling matches, unexpected upsets, and outstanding individual performances. One player who has caught the attention of football fans worldwide is Netherlands’ forward, Donyell Malen Gakpo, commonly known as Gakpo. The 22-year-old has been a key player for his national team, helping them secure a spot in the knockout stages of the competition. With his exceptional speed, skill, and eye for goal, Gakpo has made a name for himself as one of the most promising young talents in Europe.
Gakpo’s Impact on the Netherlands National Team
The Netherlands national team has a rich history in international football, having won the UEFA European Championship in 1988 and finishing as runners-up in the 1974 and 1978 FIFA World Cups. However, in recent years, the team has gone through a rebuilding phase, with many young players being given the opportunity to shine on the international stage. And one of those players is Donyell Gakpo.
Gakpo made his debut for the senior national team in October 2020, in a friendly match against Spain. He then went on to score his first international goal in a UEFA Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in November. These impressive performances earned him a spot in the Netherlands’ squad for Euro 2020, where he has played a crucial role in their success so far.
In the group stage, Gakpo started in two out of three matches and came off the bench in the other. He showed his versatility by playing on both wings and even as a central striker when called upon. His pace and dribbling ability have caused problems for opposing defenders, as he constantly looks to make runs behind the defense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Gakpo’s impact on the Netherlands’ attack has been evident, with the team scoring eight goals in their three group matches.
Gakpo’s Journey: From Youth Academy to International Stardom
Gakpo’s journey to becoming a key player for the Netherlands national team started in the youth academy of Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. He joined the club at the age of nine and progressed through the ranks, impressing coaches with his natural talent and determination. In 2014, he signed his first professional contract with PSV and made his senior team debut in January 2019.
Since then, Gakpo has established himself as a regular starter for PSV and has become one of the most exciting young players in the Eredivisie, the top division of Dutch football. He has scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 76 appearances for the club, showcasing his impressive attacking abilities. His performances have not gone unnoticed, and in June 2021, he signed a new contract with PSV until 2025.
But it is not just his performances for his club that have earned him a spot in the Netherlands national team. Gakpo has also been part of the Dutch youth setup, representing his country at the U17, U19, and U21 levels. He was part of the U17 squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 2018 and was the top scorer of the tournament. These experiences have helped him grow as a player and prepared him for the step up to the senior team.
The Rise of Gakpo: A Comparison to Other Young Dutch Talents
The Rise of Gakpo: A Comparison to Other Young Dutch Talents
The Netherlands has produced some of the best football talents in the world, including the likes of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, and more recently, Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt. Gakpo is the latest in this long line of talented Dutch players, and his rise to stardom has been impressive.
Compared to other young talents in Dutch football, Gakpo’s development has been relatively slow. While some players burst onto the scene at a young age, Gakpo took his time to establish himself as a first-team player for PSV before earning his spot in the national team. This patient approach has paid off, as he now looks ready to take the next step in his career and become a regular for both club and country.
Another aspect that sets Gakpo apart from other young Dutch players is his playing style. He possesses incredible speed and agility, making him a versatile attacker who can play on the wing or through the middle. His dribbling abilities are impressive, and he often beats defenders with ease to create scoring opportunities. Gakpo also has a keen eye for goal, and his finishing skills have improved significantly over the years. These attributes make him a unique player and one that is highly sought after in the modern game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gakpo’s phenomenal performance in Euro 2020 has solidified his status as the rising star of Dutch football. With his exceptional speed, skill, and versatility, he has become a key player for the Netherlands national team and one of the most promising young talents in Europe. From his humble beginnings in the PSV youth academy to his international stardom, Gakpo’s journey is a testament to his hard work and determination. As he continues to develop and improve, there is no doubt that we will see him achieve great success at both the club and international level in the years to come.
