Cody Gakpo follows in Virgil van Dijk's footsteps with message to Man Utd flop

Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo has maintained his excellent form for the Netherlands as he set up former Manchester United star Memphis Depay's historic strike.

The Dutchman's assist contributed to his Reds colleagues rallying behind him following the country's crucial 3-2 triumph away to Lithuania, which sent Ronald Koeman's players to the summit of their World Cup qualifying group. The 26-year-old entered the international window fresh from signing a new extended contract with Liverpool, securing his services at Anfield until 2030.

He featured in both of the Netherlands' World Cup qualifiers as the team collected four points, including a stalemate with Poland. The Polish remain level on points with the Dutch, having played a game fewer.

Gakpo turned provider for the breakthrough goal after merely 11 minutes as Koeman's outfit surrendered a two-goal advantage before Depay added his second of the night shortly past the hour to guarantee the team finished the break victorious.

Depay's first-half contribution meant he became the nation's record goalscorer, surpassing Robin van Persie with his strike.

Gakpo praised his international colleague with a social media message, posting: "History made.

"Congrats to the legend @MemphisDepay on becoming the all-time top scorer. When you walk in faith, greatness follows."

Depay is best known in England for flopping at Manchester United before playing in France, Spain, and Brazil.

Like Gakpo, Van Dijk also praised Depay, saying he was "proud" of the veteran forward.

But Van Dijk expressed disappointment over the performance in Lithuania, stating: "We had a good 2-0 lead, but it ended too easily at 2-2, which made things difficult for ourselves.

"It was simply bad. The most important thing is the three points, but if we want to make progress, this obviously can't happen.

"We all need to look in the mirror and do much better. An evening like this shouldn't happen. Are we being tough enough on each other?"

"Yes. Of course, we'll talk to each other and show each other videos. We'll definitely discuss it after the match.

"When we meet again next time, we need to make things right together. That's what we're aiming for."

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