Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo must be raring to go for the new season at Anfield.
Gakpo, who was in and out of the team during the previous season under Jurgen Klopp, may have occasionally become disgruntled with his role.
But now that his countryman Arne Slot is in command, the 25-year-old will be looking to secure a place at the forefront of the Liverpool starting lineup. Under Klopp, Gakpo finished the season strong and carried that form into Euro 2024 with the Netherlands. The former PSV Eindhoven player finished the competition as the joint best scorer thanks to his three goals. Gakpo impressed Slot, and the forward ought to return to the AXA Training Centre with renewed confidence.
Gary Neville presents a discovery made by Cody Gakpo. The main problem, if problem it is, with Gakpo at Liverpool has been that he has never really settled in with the Reds. After spending 18 months with Gakpo, Klopp acknowledged that he had made a “mistake” by constantly moving the Dutchman’s position.
It is now undeniably evident that Gakpo is a left-wing politician. That’s his preferred playing area. Sadly for him, there is competition among the Liverpool players for that spot. The man in the shirt right now is Luis Diaz, or at least he was before Slot showed up. READ MORE: Ryan Babel explains his belief that Arne Slot may bring out the best in “top talent” Cody Gakpo. However, analyst Gary Neville claims that Ruud van Nistelrooy, Gakpo’s former manager at PSV and current assistant at Man United, has been emphatic that playing the Netherlands international on the wing is the best way to bring out the best in him.
Just after he arrived in Liverpool, I went to talk to Ruud and noticed that Gakpo was having some difficulties. I asked him, “What about Gakpo? Clearly, United was considering him,” Neville says on the Stick to Football podcast. And he declared that’s all he is—a left-winger. According to Ruud, who had him at PSV, Klopp was playing him as a false nine, a center forward, or a bit deeper in midfield. He stated, “Absolutely, a left-winger and you watch him for Holland and he looks quick,” the analyst continues. “He appears direct and like he can run with the ball.”
Cody Gakpo has a big season coming up. At Euro 2024, Gakpo had a man-on-a-mission appearance. He made every effort to bring his nation to prominence, even if he was unable to do so.
It served as a reminder to Liverpool’s supporters that they have a genuine player on their hands after they had watched him struggle somewhat for the previous 18 months. However, Gakpo won’t just walk into the Liverpool team, especially with Diaz performing well at Copa America as well. Although Diaz’s future at the team is still up in the air, it appears as though he will be around for the time being. The upcoming campaign will therefore be crucial for both Gakpo and his Colombian colleague. It’s obvious that they both want the same slot on the squad, and only one person can consistently hold it.