Cody Gakpo explains key to Euro 2024 form after making sacrifice for Jurgen Klopp

Cody Gakpo has credited Ronald Koeman 's decision to play him on the left wing as the reason behind his stunning form at Euro 2024.

The Netherlands star has scored three goals and notched one assist to help his country reach the semi-finals of the tournament, where they will face England. He played a key role in the win over Turkey in the quarter-finals, providing the pressure that forced Mert Muldur to turn the ball into his own net.

It marks a change in role for the 25-year-old, who mainly featured as a centre forward for club Liverpool. Former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly ear-marked him to become the replacement for Roberto Firmino.

But the Dutchman has now revealed that it is on the left wing where he feels he can make the greatest impact. Luis Diaz currently occupies that role for Liverpool, while Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have featured there too.

A new manager is in charge at Anfield though, in the form of Arne Slot, a compatriot of Gakpo. And the Netherlands star has now hinted he is seeking to make the left wing spot his own for the new campaign.

"I was a left winger before so that's always been my preference. But in the last one and a half years, the coach (Jurgen Klopp) needed me to play somewhere else and that's what I tried to do at my best," Gakpo said.

"This has been a very beautiful tournament with our group. The feeling's really strong. We're in the semi-final and this is not the end of the tournament. Every single team that is here wants to get to the final and we're no different.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Where should Arne Slot play Cody Gakpo next season? Comment below.

Gakpo has starred for the Netherlands by playing out on the left wing
(Image: PA)

"It's not for nothing that England are in the semi-finals. They have a really good group of player and it's a fantastic squad. So it will hopefully be a beautiful game. England won [their group] so that’s a good sign – like us!

"In the end, it’s the most important thing. You can play good football but still go out. Obviously I think everyone knows each country can play a little bit better but if you win, that’s all that matters.”

Slot has refused to be drawn on what position he is planning to play Gakpo in his new-look side. But he did hint that he wanted to see even better performances from the attacker at the Euros.

"I don't have an opinion about what their best position would be at their countries because that depends on what other players they have. You cannot judge a player on their own," the Liverpool boss said.

"It's always a team effort. But I do have my opinion about where they're going to play here. But if you don't mind, I'm going to talk to them about that first and work with them first before telling you.

"I am hoping he will step up even more. We are hoping and expecting him to do even better. He has been impressive and had a good tournament so far. We've inherited a good team. With the way I look at football, I can see how important it is to work on a daily basis."

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