Robin van Persie has heaped praise on Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo after the Dutch winger’s incredible start to the season for PSV Eindhoven.
Gakpo was linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer, although it is understood that the Red Devils opted to sign Antony instead.
That has not stopped speculation about a future move because Gakpo has gone on to score 13 goals and register 14 assists for PSV this term.
The Netherlands international was brilliant again during the week when PSV beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Europa League. Van Persie was full of praise for the 23-year-old after the match.
“He is a good player,” Van Persie told BT Sport, as quoted by The Metro.
“He always finds a way in most games to have an influence, in terms of making an assist or a goal, he’s always dangerous.
“He is not really an out-and-out striker. He can play as a No. 10, he can play on the wing, or as a false striker, he can play in those four positions in front.
“He has a good physique, he is strong, fast, he can dribble. He is an all-round player.”
Gakpo was close to joining Manchester United in the summer
Speaking to The Times in a recent interview, the PSV winger admitted that he spoke to Erik ten Hag about joining United during the summer.
“I was close to leaving, I spoke to Erik ten Hag a few times at Manchester United.
“In the end, the deal didn’t go through, which was a shame, for me and my development, and because Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but also for PSV because to transfer a player to Manchester United is a good thing for the club.
“It ended about a week before the end of the transfer window and in that week I had to decide if I would go to Leeds or Southampton. In the end, I stayed, but it was a stressful period.”
He added: “I like being here, I want to win trophies here and do my best for the club.
“But if I got the chance to go to the Premier League or something, of course I would have to consider that option. At that time it was hectic for me but I recovered pretty quickly.”
At least he didn’t join Leeds. What a terrible move that would have been.
