‘Immense’ Liverpool Star Leaves Arne Slot with Severe Selection Headache After AC Milan Performance | OneFootball

‘Immense’ Liverpool Star Impresses Against AC Milan

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro was an impressive collective effort from the squad, with a number of players being mentioned as potential options for the Man of the Match award. The likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Ibou Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah seem to be getting most of the shouts, but there’s another player I want to put the spotlight on.

Arne Slot opted for just a couple of changes to the starting lineup that was beaten by Nottingham Forest at the weekend, with Cody Gakpo and Kostas Tsimikas replacing Luis Diaz and Andy Robertson. It’s fair to say that one of those changes in particular proved to be a brilliant decision by the Dutchman…

Pace, Power and Persistence

One of my standout performers on Tuesday night was undoubtedly Cody Gakpo, who I thought was absolutely immense. Starting in his favoured position on the left-wing, he was endlessly moving Liverpool forward and proved to have that eye on goal that had been lacking in the poor result at Anfield just days before.

Photo: IMAGO

Creatively, he was incredibly dangerous with 2 key passes and one big chances created – and of course, the assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal to secure the three points. Physically, he looked incredibly sharp and quick, constantly testing Davide Calabria of AC Milan and getting him booked in the first half.

His work off the ball was really impressive too, with his press being a key factor behind forcing Milan to go long where the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibou Konate would clear up. Should Milan attempt to play out from the back, Gakpo was always explosive in the press and finished the game with the most ground duels won with six. As seen with Szoboszlai, this ability to press is crucial to Arne Slot’s setup and it’s effectiveness.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Selection Headache

With Liverpool’s weekend clash against AFC Bournemouth on the horizon, attention will now be turning towards Slot’s selection. Gakpo’s impressive performance will have definitely given Slot something to think about, with him and Diaz set to battle it out on that left-hand side throughout the season.

Of course it’s also important to remember that Luis Diaz is also very good all of these important aspects and has started the season brilliantly until being rested last night. You also have Darwin Nunez, who is still yet to really get his big opportunity under Slot after being limited to five appearances from the bench.

Perhaps the logical thing would be for Diaz and Nunez to come into the side against Bournemouth for Gakpo and Jota and then perhaps rotate once more in the Carabao Cup clash against West Ham United next week. Salah will likely go again, but that cup game could definitely be an opportunity for Federico Chiesa to land his first start after getting a few minutes off the bench last night.

Either way, it’s looking like Gakpo will be another player that you can add to the considerably long list of players that have seemingly improved under Slot – whether that be down to coincidence, age or the Dutchman’s tactical acumen.