VIRGIL VAN DIJK took a sly dig at Manchester United when discussing Cody Gakpo’s future.
The Liverpool defender and Holland skipper has led his country to the World Cup quarter finals after a 3-1 Last 16 win over USA.
Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries all found the net to see off the Americans at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Dutch starlet Gakpo – who already has a trio of goals in Qatar after scoring in all three group games – impressed once more despite not adding a fourth.
The 23-year-old PSV striker has been linked with a move away after also having a stunning start to the Eredivisie this season with nine goals and 12 assists in 14 appearances.
Man United and Real Madrid have both been heavily linked with Gakpo, whose contract runs out in June 2026.
And when asked whether Gakpo is ready to play at the level of either of those giant clubs, either in January or next summer, Van Dijk replied: “Is Manchester United and Real Madrid the same level at the moment?
“No disrespect, not at all. I definitely think he has that next step in him. I definitely feel like it could happen, whether that is in the winter or the summer or next year, time will tell.
“He is a great boy who works hard, very talented and definitely there is more in him. we are so pleased he is doing so well for us. Long may it continue.”
Holland will play either Argentina or Australia in the last eight before a potential semi-final clash with favourites Brazil.
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But Van Dijk added: “I don’t think we will think about success at this point. We will think about game by game. We know we can be knocked out or sent home every game now.
“The focus will be on recovery and making sure we are ready for either Argentina or Australia. We will see.
“We play so many games so there is no point to look too far ahead.”
Van Dijk has also revealed he has full trust in Liverpool to find the right new owners with FSG open to selling in the near future.
Asked if it is on his mind during the World Cup, he explained: “Definitely I am aware of everything that is happening.
“Whether I am taking it in and doing something with it right now, I don’t think so because the full focus is on the World Cup.
“But hopefully everything will be sorted and clarified when I am back. At this point, I am definitely not thinking about it.
“I have full trust in Liverpool that they will be fine. We are a very established club, one of the biggest in the world and that will stay that way.
“Whoever comes in to fill in those roles, they will do very well.”
