Ruud van Nistelrooy is convinced that Liverpool star Cody Gakpo is in his element on the left-wing

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo has had his share of ups and downs since moving to Anfield from PSV Eindhoven in the 2023 January transfer window.

The 25-year-old has looked nigh on unplayable against at times but has also frustrated in equal measure. In fact, one can argue that several of his forgettable performances have come in outings upfront or in a central role.

Primarily starting out wide at both Eindhoven and the Dutch national side, Gakpo usually stands out as a difference-maker in the attack and is more often than not a prolific goalscorer. He has already bagged three goals and an assist in the ongoing European Championship and could have had more if not for VAR.

Given that he lacked a similar drive and decisive decision-making ability last season in Red, it is fair to say that Gakpo continues to thrive in a position that he is familiar in. At Liverpool, Luis Diaz is the first-choice left-winger, forcing Jurgen Klopp to largely use Gakpo in rotation or shift him to a central role.

This might need a rethink because accommodating him into the playing XI in the central area has come at the cost of his strengths. This was reiterated by Gary Neville via ITV1. The Manchester United legend revealed that he had a talk with Ruud van Nistelrooy about Gapo’s best role.

 “There were times for Liverpool when you wondered, he played deeper, sometimes he played more central, but I went to see Ruud van Nistelrooy maybe 18 months ago now, maybe 12 months ago”

Nistelrooy had no qualms about where Gakpo gives his best. His judgement does not just come from the shared Oranje connection but also managed him while at Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season. Gakpo put up 21 goal contributions that campaign in the Eredivisie before he moved to Liverpool in the winter.

“He said that Gakpo is definitely a left-sided player, left-sided forward. That is his best position. I think he has proved that in this tournament. That was a really good run from the back post.”

Gakpo averages a goal contribution every two games when playing in central areas, a number that rises to an impressive 0.75 contributions per game when deployed on the wings. He appears more comfortable in the latter role, consistently demonstrating better decision-making on the flank. Hopefully, Arne Slot is taking note as the 25-year-old continues to carry the Netherlands at the Euros.

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With Slot coming in and keen to make an impact, he will be watching what his players do before perhaps deciding on his system. Gakpo is a different animal out wide and it is time Liverpool gave him a prolonged run in the role.