Virgil van Dijk aims dig at Manchester United as he comment on #NED 🇳🇱 teammate Cody Gakpo’s future

NEXT STEP 

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk aims dig at Manchester United as he discusses Cody Gakpo’s future after Netherlands book World Cup quarter-final place

Virgil van Dijk aimed a dig at Manchester United as he commented on Netherlands teammate Cody Gakpo’s future.

Gakpo has been a star at this World Cup, scoring in all three of their group matches as they reached the knockout stages.

The PSV Eindhoven forward did not find the net against the USA in the last-16, but remained a threat as the Netherlands won 3-1.

The 23-year-old was linked with Manchester United in the summer, before they eventually signed Antony from Ajax.

He also came close to joining Leeds, but will likely have his sights set much higher.

Liverpool defender Van Dijk backed his international teammate to make the step up to the next level and he continues to be linked with Old Trafford.

Van Dijk told The Athletic: “Are Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at this moment? No disrespect, not at all.

“I think he definitely has a next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen.

“Whether it happens in the winter or next year, time will tell. But he’s a great boy. [He] works hard, is very talented and there’s definitely more in him. We are very pleased he’s doing so well and long may it continue.”

Gakpo himself was quizzed on his future and admitted his focus was solely on the World Cup right now.

“I have to be honest, I am not thinking about that now,” he told The Athletic.

“I am focused on the tournament and want to keep performing well, to keep helping the team. Hopefully when we become world champions we can think about other things.

“I try to keep focused and the other players don’t really speak about that kind of thing.”