Liverpool told why Cody Gakpo is a better signing than Joao Felix

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo is ‘better value for money’ over Joao Felix

A few months of extensive Manchester United links later, Liverpool successfully snatched Cody Gakpo from the radar of their arch-rivals and the Dutchman made his debut for the Reds in the 2-2 draw to Wolves in the FA Cup.

Prior to completing this signing, the Reds stood linked with a move for Joao Felix of Atletico Madrid as well with both Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the Portuguese international. But obviously, the Reds got Gakpo for £35m and there is no doubt that Felix would easily set the club back by nearly double this amount for Felix.

Even though on his debut, he just about did the job of a squad player while trying to settle down in the club, slowly but surely, one would hope that he finds his feet at the club and adjust quicker than ever to his new home.

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo with Jurgen Klopp. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink told Betway via Liverpool Echo that his fellow Dutchman is much better at providing value for money, and here is the rest of what he said:

“Jurgen Klopp chose Cody Gakpo because he’s better value for money. Gakpo was £40million whereas Joao Felix is likely to cost £80-90 million.

“Gakpo is also a little bit younger, there’s a lot of improvement in him and Klopp thinks that he is going to be a star.”

“Gakpo isn’t the finished article yet but he’s going to be a star and I think he is more suitable for the English game. That’s why I think Klopp chose to sign Gakpo ahead of all the other options.”

Is Gakpo better value for money than Felix?

Jimmy got it wrong when he said that Gakpo is a little bit younger whereas, in fact, Gakpo is a year older than Felix. He also envisions him becoming a star and working on polishing his skills as he settles down in the Premier League.

The Dutchman comes to Anfield with a big reputation. Apart from his goals and assists, he created 59 chances in the Eredivisie – joint most with Dusan Tadic. A set-piece specialist as well, Gakpo will be an added threat going forward.

Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

As far as Felix is concerned, he is a very different player from Gakpo as the Atletico man stands very similar to the role Roberto Firmino plays at Liverpool. A false 9 with a tendency to link play up, under Diego Simeone, Felix has not gotten the opportunity to shine as the Argentine is a defensive-minded manager.

Having said that, Gakpo’s introduction to the team means that the Reds can go full throttle when it comes to the attack sooner than later as we have more than enough depth in that particular department. With Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez alongside Gakpo, the competition for places will obviously be cut-throat.

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Hopefully, he can prove Jimmy right, and start getting on the scoresheet as soon as possible. Liverpool play Brighton on Saturday in their next league fixture and would hope to end their bad run against the Seagulls.