Stevie Nicol backs Cody Gakpo to come good at Liverpool
As quoted by Liverpool Echo, former Liverpool defender Stevie Nicol has backed new signing Cody Gakpo to come good at Anfield despite a slow start to life under Jurgen Klopp.
The Netherlands international, who was signed for £35m very early in the January transfer window, is yet to score or assist a goal in five appearances.
He has looked like a player who is going to take his time to adapt to the new surroundings. To be fair to him, Liverpool are playing some of the worst under Klopp at the moment. Hence, it is not helping the new signing to ease himself into the limelight.
Here’s what Nicol said when asked about Gakpo’s quality and whether he would come good (h/t Liverpool Echo):
“Gakpo’s a good signing. He’s a young player and there’s no question that there’s loads of potential there.
“It’s not like [Jurgen Klopp] has signed another Arthur, shall we say. Now that was a complete shambles – so it’s not one of them.
“This guy can play, this guy will absolutely help Liverpool in the future.”
After struggling to find rhythm and touch in the first four games, Gakpo did look good against Brighton in the FA Cup last Sunday. Although the number nine position is not his preferred, he did well there at the Amex Stadium, playing almost the Roberto Firmino role of a false nine.
Before the game against the Seagulls, Klopp talked about how the Dutchman is seen as the connector of the team in the forward line. His technical quality and pressing value can be used to good effect.
With how Liverpool are playing since the turn of the year, not many can come in and straight away make a positive impact. The team is down on confidence and energy, while results and games are slipping away fast.
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We can only hope that slowly but surely Gakpo settles down in his new surroundings and delivers the goods. He would need support from the team to play well and involve him more in games.
