Liverpool: £45m star being 'dragged down by everyone' at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo “is being dragged down to everybody else’s level” during the Anfield outfit’s current run of form, journalist Dean Jones has suggested to GiveMeSport.

The 23-year-old is settling into life within Jürgen Klopp’s Reds squad having made his debut last month.

Despite advances from Manchester United, it was Liverpool who were able to secure the signature of Gakpo at Anfield after the Merseyside outfit moved before the opening of the January transfer window, acquiring his services from PSV Eindhoven for a fee between £35m and £45m.

It was not thought that the Reds were initially looking to make a forward addition to Klopp’s squad last month, but injuries to Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz signalled a change in transfer strategy during the winter window.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has described the club’s signing of Gakpo as a “tremendous bit of business” when speaking to GiveMeSport recently, especially given the fact it was made in the January window which is traditionally a tough time to get top signings over the line.

However, Jones believes that Liverpool’s rut in form has consequently dragged the Dutchman down “to everybody else’s level” ahead of what looks to be a below-par season for the Anfield outfit.

What has Jones said about Liverpool and Gakpo?

Jones told GiveMeSport: “There's the whole Gakpo situation whereby that looked like it should have been a real catalyst for Liverpool and a real big moment.

“It's almost like he is being dragged down to everybody else’s level at the moment. You want to understand why this rot has set in so deep.”

How has Gakpo performed this season?

Gakpo – who has been described as a “sensation” by journalist Tom Allnutt – is yet to hit the ground running at Liverpool, but it is still very early days for the Dutch star.

The 14-cap Netherlands international has been unable to score a goal or provide an assist for the Reds in his six appearances, but is coming off the back of bagging 13 goals and providing 17 assists in 24 outings for PSV this season.

The forward also enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign, where he scored three goals in five showings as the Oranje reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, before their penalty shoot-out defeat to eventual champions Argentina.

However, Liverpool have won just one in six games that Gakpo has been in the side for but Klopp will hope that the winter signing could be the catalyst to turn the side’s fortunes around, heading into this month’s Champions League last 16 clash with holders Real Madrid.