Jurgen Klopp holds himself accountable for the goalscoring struggle that Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo faced this season
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepts his “fault” for tinkering with Cody Gakpo which hampered his goalscoring form this season. Klopp has used Gakpo in the midfield position while applying variation in his tactics according to the opposition team.
The 24-year-old has played as a central forward, central midfielder, left winger and right winger for Liverpool this season. His versatility and fluidity are one of his strong points but Gakpo prefers the attacking role.
The Dutch international favours the left wing as his preferred position and naturally excels as a central forward. Gakpo has the technique, composure and finishing ability alongside the physique and creativity to be a productive threat in attack.
The 24-year-old has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, contributing with 10 goals and five assists so far. He is one of the four Liverpool players to reach double figure, playing a crucial role in this season’s success. The other Liverpool players are Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and the Reds legend Mohamed Salah.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Klopp accepted the responsibility of Cody struggling to continue his goalscoring form. He said:
“The numbers are 100 per cent absolutely alright, or even better. But that Cody had a bit of a struggle in between the season was more my fault. Can Cody play a midfield position for us? Yes, he can, in different moments. Is it his position now? I would say no, that’s not [the case]. The offensive part of the role he can definitely play, but with the defensive things, which he was not used to, that cost him a bit of confidence in moments, you could see that.”
Gakpo has created a very strong connection with his teammates which has been a very important feature of his game. He has shown maturity, good decision-making, and selfless work-rate despite having the technical capability to be a prolific scorer.
The Reds’ attack department has players with diverse sets of skills and abilities which helps in the team’s unpredictability. Their fluidity and ability to interchange positions is another important trait that Klopp has used successfully.
The first Premier League team to have FOUR players with 10+ goals across all competitions this season:
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 18, 2024
19 – Mohamed Salah
14 – Diogo Jota
13 – Darwin Núñez
10 – Cody Gakpo
Liverpool have a new Fab Four. pic.twitter.com/iI8UCGdf0R
Liverpool are facing an injury crisis currently with Jota out with a long-term injury that he sustained against Brentford. Nunez and Salah are also an injury concern for upcoming games which puts the spotlight on Gakpo.
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Gakpo needs to be prolific during the absence of his attacking teammate to continue Liverpool’s form. The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League table with no margin for error. Furthermore, they will play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on the 25th of February.
