Summerville's Netherlands debut puts Gakpo's World Cup place under pressure

Crysencio Summerville outshone Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo on his Netherlands debut as Ronald Koeman’s side fell to a 1-0 friendly defeat against Algeria in Rotterdam on Wednesday, casting doubt over Gakpo’s standing in the squad ahead of World Cup 2026.

Gakpo played 81 minutes on the left flank but failed to influence the result, with Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur rating him 5.5 out of 10 and noting: “Gakpo quickly weaved his way past his direct opponent a few times. After that, the left winger was unable to really make his mark.”

Summerville, who has just been relegated with West Ham, earned the joint-highest rating among the Dutch players despite only featuring in the first half. VoetbalPrimeur gave him 7 out of 10, writing: “A fine debut from Summerville. The West Ham forward made a fresh impression and was involved in many of the Dutch threats. His agility and speed are a weapon.”

NOS also praised the 24-year-old’s contribution, noting that Koeman deployed him on the right flank rather than his customary left, yet Summerville adapted seamlessly. “He kept going like that in the first half hour and was involved in several good attacks,” the outlet reported. “Overall, Summerville proved he can be dangerous with his speed and dribbling and can also hold the ball well on the inside as an extra midfielder.”

Koeman’s front three against Algeria featured Donyell Malen as centre-forward, Gakpo on the left and Summerville on the right, with Mats Wieffer filling in at right-back in the absence of the suspended Denzel Dumfries. Summerville’s ability to create space without a natural overlapping full-back behind him was highlighted as a particular positive.

Gakpo is one of three Liverpool players set to represent the Netherlands at the North American tournament this summer, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch. All three started against Algeria, but it was the newly relegated West Ham winger who left the bigger impression — and who now appears to be pushing for a more prominent role in Koeman’s plans.