Phil Thompson backs Liverpool star who made him go ‘Wow’ to start vs Atalanta

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes Cody Gakpo has impressed Jurgen Klopp enough to start against Atalanta in the Europa League

Legendary Liverpool defender Phil Thompson believes Cody Gakpo deserves the starting role against Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals match. Gakpo delivered two back-to-back impressive performances against Sheffield United and Manchester United after the March international break.

The Dutch forward received criticism for his poor performance against Man United in the 4-3 FA Cup loss. The Reds squandered a 3-2 lead in the final 15 minutes of the game due to immense fatigue. They have played three games a week since 17^th February amid the severe injury crisis in the senior team.

Liverpool drew 2-2 to their bitter rivals in the last Premier League game at Old Trafford, hurting their title chase. Gakpo made a positive impact in the game but failed to help the Reds secure the three points.

The Reds have struggled with complacency and poor composure in the last few games which has annoyed both fans and Klopp. They need to rectify this recurring problem with seven games in the Premier League remaining alongside the Europa League fixtures.

Thompson told The Official Liverpool FC Podcast (h/t Express) that Gakpo’s recent performance is deserving of the starting role. He said:

“In the FA Cup [last month], Cody came on against Manchester United and he looked devoid of ideas. Today [against United], he looked hungry, he looked as though he wanted to be part of it. Whether he learned from what happened at Old Trafford and thought ‘wow’. Today, and certainly against Sheffield United, he made a big impression also. So he might be calling to play [Against Atalanta] instead of Darwin, something like that.”

Despite the criticism, Gakpo has been prolific for the Reds this season, contributing regularly with goals and assists. The 24-year-old has made 45 appearances in all competitions, contributing with 14 goals and four assists this season.

The Dutch international has played in numerous positions for Liverpool according to the tactical requirements of the team. He has played as a left-winger, right-winger, centre-forward and central midfielder which has hampered his contributions in front of goals.

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Gakpo’s determination and performance from the substitutions in the last few games are indeed deserving of the starting role. Liverpool needs to get a positive result in the first leg of the game against Atalanta to ease the pressure. They play three crucial Premier League away games after the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.