Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sheds light on the versatility of Cody Gakpo

Jurgen Klopp stands tall among the rest of his peers for his tactical prowess and his ability to shape players, especially attackers into versatile assets. The latest beneficiary of his transformative approach is none other than Cody Gakpo, the 24-year-old Dutch dynamo who has quickly become a versatile weapon in the Liverpool squad.

Gakpo’s journey to Anfield commenced in January of this year, following an eye-catching performance in the 2022 World Cup. The Dutch international’s arrival sparked curiosity among Liverpool fans, and we were eager to see how he would fit into Klopp’s system. What has unfolded since then is a testament to Gakpo’s adaptability and Klopp’s strategic genius.

Klopp’s recent comments shed light on the impressive transformation of Cody Gakpo within the Liverpool ranks, playing almost everywhere in the frontline, and more recently, turning up in central midfield as well.

Here is what manager Jurgen Klopp had to say about Gakpo via ECHO, praising his versatility to play anywhere the manager asks him to:

“Since Cody is here he played a variety of positions. At the start of the season we put him in midfield and it was never the plan to play Cody there. He’s super smart and he can adapt.”

Cody for the Reds

Gakpo’s versatility has indeed been on full display since his arrival at Liverpool. Initially known for his prowess on the wing, he has seamlessly transitioned into roles as a striker, and remarkably, even in midfield. This adaptability is a testament to his intelligence and tactical acumen, qualities that have endeared him to Klopp and the Anfield faithful. On top of that, he’s a potential leader as well, thanks to his prior experience of captaining the squad with PSV.

In 11 appearances across all competitions this season, Gakpo has four goals and an assist to his name. Gakpo’s ability to excel in various positions is a valuable asset at times when tactical fluidity is the key to success. It provides Klopp with options and tactical flexibility, allowing him to make in-game adjustments and tailor his lineup to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses.

However, with a capable left-winger in Luis Diaz and a top-class striker in Darwin Nunez, the question arises: where does Gakpo fit into the long-term vision for Liverpool? Moreover, the Reds boast another dynamic attacker in Diogo Jota, equally adept in both the striking and left-wing roles.

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This abundance of attacking talent provides Klopp with a welcome headache. It is a testament to the squad’s depth and quality, with multiple players capable of seamlessly transitioning between positions. While the long-term role in terms of his position might be uncertain, one thing is clear – Gakpo’s adaptability and versatility make him an invaluable asset for Liverpool.