The Dutchman came in for his first start of the season against AC Milan on Tuesday and played a key role by setting up Liverpool’s third goal to secure the three points
Alan Shearer has praised Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo for his role in Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal against Milan. After recovering to go 2-1 up at half-time at the San Siro thanks to goals from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, the Red Devils hit the ground running in the second half of their Champions League and Europa League clash. They were ultimately rewarded with Szoboszlai’s 67th-minute goal, but it was Gakpo’s role in the development of the game that particularly caught Shearer’s eye,
with the former Premier League striker impressed by the Dutchman’s efforts to support his Liverpool team-mates. After receiving the ball on the left wing, Gakpo drove forward as the Reds pressed for a third goal to put the game beyond doubt. He took the ball all the way into the box, missed a tackle or two before cutting the ball back to the onrushing Szoboszlai to slot home. While at first glance it seemed like a simple move for Liverpool,
Shearer is keenly aware of the effort Gakpo put into bringing the Hungarian in. Commenting on the match on Amazon Prime, Shearer said: “The way he held the defender back and kept moving. Can he choose Salah or Zoboszlai? He can. Gakpo is playing very well. “When you’re in that situation, you don’t want to disappoint your team-mates by not throwing the last ball. He certainly didn’t.” Gakpo provided the perfect response to being benched for the first four games of the season with his performance at the San Siro, producing an energy-packed performance and playing a key role in helping Liverpool secure three points in Milan. Luis Diaz has emerged as Arne Slot’s first-choice left winger for the 2024-25 season and has certainly repaid the manager’s faith with three goals and an assist in three games in the Premier League season’s first three games. However, he was rested against Milan and Gakpo,
who has often excelled in central midfield under Jurgen Klopp, was tasked by Slot with resuming his preferred position on the left wing. Coincidentally, the 25-year-old provided an assist in his first game of the season, giving Slot plenty to think about ahead of this weekend’s clash with Bournemouth.
