“His defending is outstanding”- Jurgen Klopp gives verdict on Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp happy with January signing Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool earlier this month from PSV after much speculation and the Reds literally hijacked the player’s deal with Manchester United. The 23-year-old Dutchman is yet to score a goal for the Reds but the manager is very happy with the player.

Such is the way Luis Diaz has spoilt Liverpool fans. He made an instant impact after joining the club and we somewhat expect that from every player now. However, in only four appearances, there is only so much Gakpo could do, and slowly but surely, the goals will come once he finds his feet at his new home.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talked about how he is “completely happy” with the player and praised his skillset when it comes to defending. Sounds a bit funny since Gakpo is an attacker, but defending from the front has always been a huge contributor to how Liverpool have scored their goals under Klopp.

Here is what the manager spoke about Gakpo via Liverpool Echo:

“His defending is outstanding. This central position, that’s really what we need… Everyone – he’s got a long-term contract here – will see that. So I’m completely happy.”

Gakpo’s deal with Liverpool lasts until 2028 (Transfermarkt) and four games is certainly too early to judge a player. He still has a long long way to go and he will slowly but surely get the goals with the right service as we saw in the World Cup in November and December last year.

Gakpo for the Reds

Despite the challenges of fitting into the Premier League, Gakpo would be determined to prove himself in the Premier League. He has already shown his quality in the Netherlands, where he was a consistent goal-scorer and assist-maker for PSV.

He has a keen eye for goal and is able to create chances for his teammates with his precise passing and movement off the ball. These are the qualities that attracted Liverpool to him in the first place, and they will be crucial to his success in the Premier League.

It may take some time for Gakpo to fully adjust to the rigours of the Premier League, but with the support of his coaches and teammates, he will slowly but surely get goals and assists.

More Liverpool News:

• Alexis Mac Allister doubles down on transfer stance amid Liverpool links
• Liverpool confident of signing Jude Bellingham as per Ben Jacobs
• Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ‘decides’ to move for Federico Chiesa

He has already shown his quality in the Netherlands, where he was a consistent goal-scorer and assist-maker for PSV and hopefully, he repeats the same in Red in the fullness of time.