English press hunts for ‘hottest prospect’ World Cup, but Gakpo is not tempted

• Thierry Boon

  NOS editor in Qatar

The first question hits the spot right away. Does Cody Gakpo know about the stories about Manchester United’s interest? “I focus on the World Cup, but it’s nice to hear such rumors,” the protagonist responds calmly.

Just before the private training of the Orange on Sunday in Qatar, Gakpo, together with Daley Blind, will answer questions from the international press in the run-up to the last group match with Qatar.

The questions focus on Gakpo, particularly from England, where he is seen as the “hottest prospect” of the World Cup, according to a journalist.

But no matter how the question is formulated, the 23-year-old attacker keeps a low profile. “What I just said: I focus on Orange and as it looks now, I will still play for PSV after the winter.” At the same time, he does not want to rule out a winter transfer.

After two group matches, in which the Dutch national team failed to convince in the least, Gakpo is a bright spot with his two goals. His numbers this season speak for themselves. In the 28 matches he played for club and country, he was involved in 34 goals.

After long eye contact, he did not comment on the flirtations of Leeds United and Southampton last summer. He wanted to make the crossing for Manchester United, but after previous interest, Erik ten Hag’s club remained silent at the time.

The football world championship is the perfect stage to put yourself in the spotlight, Gakpo also knows. Two World Cup goals and millions further, it will be a draw for the clubs that are undoubtedly queuing up.

He seems to have outgrown the level of Leeds and Southampton. Now, in addition to Manchester, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also associated with Gakpo. According to national coach Louis van Gaal, he has what it takes to become the star of the World Cup.

“I got it, but try not to think about it too much,” says Gakpo. “I don’t shy away from compliments, but it’s a team sport and I prefer it to be about the team.”

To his right is Blind, who knows better than anyone what a good World Cup can mean for your career. In 2014 he impressed with his assist for Robin van Persie’s flying header against Spain and not much later he signed for Manchester United.

“That match changed my life,” says veteran Blind. “We will see what will happen to everyone after this World Cup. But everyone can see that Cody is doing well.”

And Gakpo doesn’t surprise himself with that. “I know what I can do, but I’m not yet at my highest level and can still improve a lot.”