Dutch Resurgence Stumbles: Can Cody Gakpo Reignite Hopes at Euro 2024?

Just 18 months ago, the Netherlands were tantalizingly close to the World Cup semi-finals, narrowly missing out in a penalty shootout against Argentina after a dramatic comeback in the Battle of Lusail. Despite the heartbreak, there was a sense that Dutch football was back on track. Having missed the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2016, their performance in Qatar was seen as a revival, setting the stage for a promising future.

Yet, their recent history has been turbulent. Euro 2020 saw a meek exit in the last 16 to the Czech Republic, and now, with Euro 2024 on the horizon, the Dutch find themselves in another state of transition. The team that almost reached the heights in Qatar looks significantly different today.

Reflecting on the squad from that World Cup, goalkeeper Andries Noppert was an unexpected starter but proved his worth. Captain Virgil van Dijk marshaled the defense, while the midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Marten De Roon, and Davy Klaassen held firm. Up front, Memphis Depay struggled, but Cody Gakpo shone brightly, earning himself a high-profile move.

Fast forward to now, and of those central figures, only van Dijk, de Jong, and Gakpo remain in the squad for Germany. Injuries and form issues have ravaged the squad: De Roon is out due to a late-season injury, de Jong has ongoing ankle problems, and Klaassen and Quinten Timber are no longer in the picture. Noppert’s brief tenure as the No.1 has ended, leaving a trio of goalkeepers with minimal international experience. Adding to the uncertainty, several squad members have fewer than ten caps, and newcomer Ian Maatsen joins uncapped.

This isn’t merely a continuation of a rebuild; it’s a fresh start. For the Netherlands to progress, new talents like Xavi Simons and Jeremie Frimpong must rise to the occasion, but established stars need to shoulder the burden too. Van Dijk’s leadership is unquestionable, but all eyes are on Gakpo to deliver in the final third.

Gakpo’s club form has been inconsistent. A tactical experiment at Liverpool saw him struggle in an unfamiliar attacking midfield role, leading to a series of underwhelming performances. However, he finished the season on a high, scoring twice and assisting twice in his final five league games. Despite this uptick, he has yet to return to his scintillating best.

Internationally, Gakpo has shown flashes of brilliance but has also mirrored his club struggles. He was prolific in the World Cup group stages but hasn’t found the net for the national team regularly since. With nine goals in 24 caps, his record is solid but not spectacular, and he has not scored in his last three appearances this year.

For the Dutch to make an impact at Euro 2024, Gakpo must rediscover his form and flair. The team’s reshuffled lineup has potential, but only Gini Wijnaldum and Depay, both grappling with their own challenges, have more international goals. With Wijnaldum playing in Saudi Arabia and Depay’s recent LaLiga minutes limited, the stage is set for Gakpo to be the pivotal figure in Koeman’s new-look team.

As the Netherlands embark on this latest chapter of their rebuilding journey, Gakpo’s role is crucial. He needs to harness his talent and form to lead the Dutch attack. If he can rise to the occasion, the promise of Qatar could be fulfilled in Germany, steering the Netherlands away from past disappointments and towards a brighter future.