Jamie Carragher sees a long-term Roberto Firmino replacement in Cody Gakpo
Just a few days after his raw judgement of Liverpool FC’s decision to sign Cody Gakpo, Reds’ legend Jamie Carragher now sees a long-term replacement for Roberto Firmino in the 23-year-old Dutchman.
Ahead of the Merseyside derby, following a string of unimpressive performances from Cody, Carra was probably quick to jump the gun on a new signing and was of the idea that the former PSV-man is not necessarily a Jurgen Klopp-style player. However, he shone in a new role against Everton and scored his first goal for Liverpool as well.
The Reds’ attack had a new look to them in essence as the team looked different to what we have seen throughout this season and even skipper Jordan Henderson was back to his pressing best. Goals from Cody and Salah finished the game for us, but each player was brilliant in carrying out their respective roles.
Gakpo used to play mostly on the left side of the attack during his time at PSV. However, because Roberto Firmino is currently injured and not able to play, Gakpo has taken on a more important role in the centre of Liverpool’s attacking plays with Darwin Nunez running down the left flank.
Here is what Carra said via Liverpool Echo drawing a parallel between the playing styles of Bobby and Cody:
“I just think actually watching Gakpo, it feels like his profile is more similar to Firmino than the other wide players who have blistering pace to run in behind.”
Bobby and Gakpo
Gakpo has already shown glimpses of his potential in the centre of Liverpool’s attack, and his natural goal-scoring ability could be a valuable asset for the team. He has also demonstrated his ability to press and win the ball back, indicating that he could be an excellent replacement for Firmino in that aspect of the game.
Firmino and Gakpo both possess excellent ball-control skills and are technically gifted. They use their close control to create space for themselves and their teammates and are adept at making quick, decisive passes to create goal-scoring opportunities as we have seen for so long with Bobby and in recent weeks with Gakpo, especially in the World Cup.
Bobby’s present contract is almost nearing its conclusion, and a contract extension in the reckoning for the player, Firmino will in all likelihood head nowhere and we could see Gakpo and the Brazilian link up sooner than later.
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While Firmino and Gakpo may have different playing styles, they also share certain similarities. This means that Liverpool could oversee a smooth transition from Firmino to Gakpo, should Firmino stand unavailable, ensuring that the team’s attacking momentum runs un-disrupted.
