Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo eager to prove a point in the Champions League

Speaking to the media ahead of the Real Madrid game (h/t Liverpool website), Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo talked about having to prove a point by performing in the Champions League.

If he plays against Madrid today, it will be the Dutchman’s debut in the Champions League for the Reds. Before that, the 23-year-old has played only seven minutes of football in this competition, coming against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2018. He has made 12 appearances in the qualifying stages though, scoring two goals.

Having signed from PSV Eindhoven very early in the January window, Gakpo struggled to adaptability in a struggling Liverpool side. There are signs of him starting to gel with the team as a number nine and combining with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo eager to prove a point in the Champions League. — Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo eager to prove a point by doing well in the Champions League. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Here’s what the Dutch star told the media when asked about the prospects of playing in the Champions League (h/t Liverpool website):

“It’s going to be my second game in the Champions League so I’m really looking forward to it. I have to prove that I can perform at such a level again and I’m eager to do that.”

Against Newcastle, we saw Gakpo doing what Roberto Firmino used to expertise in as a false nine. The 23-year-old dropped deep and dragged centre-backs away for Nunez and Salah to attack the central space. That’s how Liverpool scored the first goal in that game through the Uruguayan.

The good thing about the former PSV captain is that he is technically very good and has the physical strength to not get bullied by defenders easily. So, that number nine position suits him well if there are quick runners on either side of the pitch.

All of those attributes will be put to a stern test against the reigning European champions though. Real Madrid will come up with a plan to stifle him and Liverpool’s front line.

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Knowing that the second leg is at the Bernabeu, it goes without saying that the Reds need to win the first leg in order to stand a chance to progress to the next round. We hope for a big performance from Gakpo tonight.