Gakpo and Jota Shine Leaving Selection Dilemma for Klopp | OneFootball

Kicking it up a Notch: Gakpo and Jota’s Stellar Performance Rattles Selection Sheets

The pitch at Craven Cottage bore witness to an exhibition of forwards actually creating and converting as Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota turned the turf into their personal audition for the Merseyside Derby. As Liverpool are set to clash with their adversaries, these two forwards presented a selection conundrum for the gaffer, Jürgen Klopp, in the lead-up to the revered fixture. Both have now got a real gripe if they’re not on the team sheet.

Merseyside Mastery: Gakpo’s Game-Changing Gravitas

On a day where the Reds needed a lift, Gakpo emerged as a key figure and his overall performance was very good. With seven duels won, he was a combative force, an a surprise given the recent criticisms that have plagued him. The forward, renowned for his tactical astuteness, crafted three chances – the highest in the game – showcasing his vision and understanding of spatial dynamics. His dribbling wasn’t just effective; it was mesmerising at times from the left. Each of the three dribbles he completed was a blend of finesse and audacity, underscoring his confidence and technical acumen. But perhaps his most telling contribution was the tenacity off the ball – ten recoveries to be precise – that added a new dimension to Liverpool’s defensive fortitude.

Photo: IMAGO

Gakpo’s assist – a moment of creative clarity – not only exemplified his match intelligence but also underscored a season of consistent contributions, tallying up to 19 goal contributions now across all competitions. His vitality and versatility have made him crucial to Klopp’s tactical schema. He looks good from the left and a threat at the moment.

Jota’s Juggernaut: Scoring Streak and Unbeaten Stature

In parallel, Diogo Jota’s numbers have been nothing short of remarkable. With an astounding 115 minutes-per-goal ratio, excluding penalties, his predatory instincts in front of the goal have been unmatched in the Premier League this season. Jota’s knack for being in the right place at the right time has been pivotal, with a breathtaking 88 minutes-per-goal or assist record. His centurion status, with 100 goals in English football spanning his tenure at Wolves and Liverpool, tells a tale of consistent excellence and adaptability. And, if superstition has its say, his unbeaten streak in Premier League games he’s scored in remains an omen that Merseyside could lean on. A great goal on his weaker foot and it would seem bizarre to not start him certain on Wednesday.

Tactical Tensions: Klopp’s Conundrum

With Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez failing to convert chances into scoreboard figures recently, the duo’s performance presents Klopp with a pleasant yet perplexing challenge. The chemistry between Gakpo and Jota, crystallised in their combined effort for the game’s goal, demands recognition and perhaps, more importantly, continuity in selection. As Liverpool approaches the electric atmosphere of the Merseyside Derby, the decision to field an in-form pair over traditionally preferred choices may just be the strategic wildcard Klopp needs. The synergy they exhibit, coupled with their statistical superiority, makes for a compelling argument to keep them at the spearhead of Liverpool’s attack.

Looking Ahead

It’s clear, Gakpo and Jota have made a noted attempt to etch their names not just on the score sheets but in the line up for the big one that’s coming up. The question that remains isn’t about their capability, but about whether the strategy will align with the stride they’ve set. Nunez seems out of favour and with Diaz looking lively but mercurial again, the two whose output is prominent right now have a right to complain if they don’t get the nod. Rotation was key in this one, it’ll be interesting to see about Wednesday now.