Metro
Despite Gakpo’s performances, Depay insists he would prefer to be partnered with Steven Bergwijn during the latter stages of the competition.
‘I have a great click with him (Gakpo) but I think I prefer to play with Steven Bergwijn,’ Depay said earlier this week.
‘He is even more ball-resistant and then Cody can get the ball behind him. But we have many different players with qualities.’
Depay, who netted 12 goals in qualifying for the Dutch, is unlikely to be granted his request, however, with Van Gaal shutting down any notion of him dropping Gakpo at his pre-match press conference.
‘These things happen, that players ventilate their views, but whether it’s sensible or not, that’s another issue. Everybody has their own opinion, particularly in the Netherlands,’ the 71-year-old said.
Van Gaal described Saturday’s opponents as very strong, while reporters from neighbouring Belgium made overtures for the combative coach to take over their national team after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Belgium’s exit on Thursday.
