Cody Gakpo Must Reproduce his Dutch Form for the Reds | OneFootball

Cody Gakpo Must Reproduce his Dutch Form for the Reds

Since the arrival in the winter transfer window of 2023, the former PSV Eindhoven forward, Cody Gakpo, has largely split the opinion of the Liverpool fanbase, too often displaying a level of performance that has at times flattered to deceive. Following an emphatic opening half season at Anfield in that 2022/23 campaign, the Dutchman struggled to find either a position or a continuous level of form, one that would command a guaranteed starting role in the first team. It can of course be argued that under the guidance of his former manager, Jurgen Klopp, the playing positions of the 6ft 4inch asset were too varied, to achieve the desired consistency. Though I am a fan of the cultured attacker, I still want to see more physicality and far more aggressive intent in the final third, especially given his size and prowess. During the Netherlands run to the semifinal of the 2024 European Championships, we saw an uplift in those two traits I have identified, which elevated him to the of top goal scorer charts for the tournament, having dispatched three crucial goals. Whilst representing the Dutch national team, the former PSV academy graduate has played every moment on the pitch as a left sided forward, one who was permitted to drift into central areas and create goal scoring opportunities. I imagine it has been a relief to have his Holland coach, Ronald Koeman, place him into a position where he feels he operates best; however, the question now begs as to whether he can replicate that form under his new Liverpool head coach and another Dutch tactician, Arne Slot.

Where Is Cody Likely to Play Next Season…?

There are still many questions to be answered this summer, regarding the futures of both Luis Diaz and Mohammed Salah. The contract situation of the Egyptian King has lingered on all year and is now creeping into preseason, without resolution. I expect the record-breaking goal scorer to sign an extension and I do not see a situation that allows him to leave Merseyside this summer. Regarding the Columbian flyer, Luis Diaz, he, and the management team also have a decision to make, as the player appears to champion a move to Spanish giants, Barcelona. As the Copa America reaches its finality late on Sunday, the following week should see some answers emerge concerning the former Porto winger. There is also now a major question mark surrounding the Uruguayan hitman, Darwin Núñez, after his troubles in the Bank of America Stadium. Last week in the semifinal of the South American tournament, we all witnessed a horrendous melee in the upper main stand, which endangered the he, families, and friends of the Uruguayan players. If, as expected, the 25-year-old receives an international ban, it could become one that FIFA extends into his domestic endeavours. In such a scenario, that would leave the 25-year-old, Cody Gakpo, as well as the Portuguese poacher, Diogo Jota, as the candidates to start the season as the central striker.

All indications point to the former Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot, incorporating a 4-2-3-1 system of play, with some formation alterations when out of possession. In terms of the forward line, I fully expect there to be a central striker, a secondary striker, as well as two wide individuals that will act more as wingers than inside forwards. In the case of Mohamed Salah, however, there will of course be a license to drift inside to impact the goal, which could mean a slightly wider role on the opposite flank. Given the tournament exploits undertaken by the inform Dutch attacker, Cody, I can see him being given renewed hope by his fellow countryman and new Liverpool Head Coach. If all individuals remain, I suspect that with the 32-year-old, Mo Salah, starting from the right, with Darwin or Jota as the centre forward, that will create competition between the likes of Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai, to play that central attacking position, or the left sided variation. Those two positions are where Gakpo should focus most, given his proven ability to influence matches from that slightly withdrawn position. As an intricate and at times explosive carrier of the ball, a more refined system and coordinated buildup should allow him to bring his best attributes to the fore next season.

Is This Gakpo’s Make or Break Season…?

Ultimately, there are a few squad members that need to hit the ground running next term, to solidify their places under a new leadership. For the player of this piece to carry on the European Championship form would be perfect, especially for the man who scored sixteen goals across all competitions last season, whilst adding six assists to amass an impressive tally of goal contributions. The new season is nearly upon us and the opportunity to shine incoming, it is now up to the player to take his chance.