Let’s start with his goals because his goals caught the eye in Qatar, where Cody Gakpo became the first Dutchman to score in each of their three group games at a World Cup.
All were composed finishes. One was a header, one with the left foot, one with the right, and each was the first goal of the game. It hints at a player with a cool mind, and an ability to keep emotions under control, make good decisions and execute under pressure.
Gakpo scored the winner for PSV Eindhoven in the KNVB Cup final in April, and has 13 in 24 appearances for his club this season, refining his eye for goal under Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United and Netherlands forward who took over from Roger Schmidt in the summer.