Crystal Palace 0-1 Liverpool: Cody Gakpo hailed after stepping up for Arne Slot in first Premier League start of season

Cody Gakpo registered an all-important assist in his first Premier League start of the season. The Dutchman crossed the ball for Diogo Jota's winner in the ninth minute, and TNT Sports pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed that Gakpo had gone up "another level" since his summer exploits with the Netherlands. Compatriot Ryan Gravenberch was also praised for another promising performance.

Peter Crouch believes Cody Gakpo has “gone up a level” under new coach Arne Slot after the Dutchman set up Liverpool’s winner in their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

On his first start in the Premier League this season, the former PSV winger found Diogo Jota in the ninth minute to open the scoring and the visitors held on for all three points at Selhurst Park.

The 25-year-old enjoyed a productive summer with the Netherlands, scoring three goals to help his nation reach the semi-finals of the European Championship.

World Cup

Emotional celebration as Gakpo scores days after loss of unborn child

30/06/2026 at 08:22

Asked whether Gakpo and compatriot Ryan Gravenberch had improved since Slot’s arrival, Crouch thought that the attacker had been “really unlucky” not to start in the league until Liverpool travelled to south London.

“I think it’s a discussion to be had [whether they have improved],” said Crouch. "Being countrymen of Gravenberch and Gakpo, obviously Arne Slot being from the same country, they’ve both improved so much since he’s arrived.

“They’ve gone up a level. Gakpo this year has been really unlucky not to start games and Gravenberch in the midfield has been an absolute revelation.

‘Fantastic football’ – Jota fires past Henderson to give Liverpool early lead against Palace

Video credit: TNT Sports

“So whether it’s something that he’s saying to them, but I genuinely believe they’ve gone up a level.”

Joe Cole agreed post-match, singling out Gakpo for praise from the Dutch duo and picking out a moment viewers may have missed that demonstrated his quality.

• 'They've got away with one' - Debate rages on potential Crystal Palace spot-kick as Arne Slot says 'no penalty'
• 'Alisson will not be with us' for RB Leipzig, Chelsea and Arsenal games, says Liverpool boss Arne Slot

“They’ve been brilliant,” said Cole. “It wasn’t his whole performance, Gakpo, in particular, I thought was excellent today.

“But right at the death when they were under the cosh a little bit, the ball’s come up to him, he’s brought it down, he’s broken the lines, he’s gone past somebody, and he won a corner. He does everything.

“Now he can play in a number of positions. Crouch is right, he’s gone up another level, and with the two of them, they’ve been fantastic.”

‘Looks like he's been playing it his whole career’ – Cole on how Gravenberch has settled in new role

Video credit: TNT Sports

Gakpo himself was asked for an assessment on his own performance, and the Dutchman was pleased to take his opportunity to shine, with competition in forward positions high at the Merseyside club.

He said: “I think first start, obviously you want to show what you’ve got. I think we have a great squad with a lot of quality and today was my turn and I did my best.”

---

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.

World Cup

Which Premier League players will be at the World Cup?

29/06/2026 at 10:15

Premier League

Gakpo hopes winning run could be 'start of something beautiful' for Liverpool

28/02/2026 at 19:01