Cody Gakpo criticism misses the point entirely as Liverpool know truth about his contribution
After Liverpool's disappointing 4-3 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday, Cody Gakpo has found himself perhaps unfairly scapegoated by a section of supporters on social media.
Reds legend Jamie Carragher would take issue with his performance against the Red Devils following his introduction as substitute, declaring he 'plays like the game is in slow motion.'
The forward has scored 13 goals for Liverpool so far this season despite finding himself in and out of Jurgen Klopp's starting XI. But struggling to find his best form, our writers debate Gakpo's role in the Liverpool squad and whether there is reason to be concerned.
Liverpool could be without three more players as Alexis Mac Allister unwanted problem arises
Darwin Nunez injury update as Liverpool striker withdraws from Uruguay squad
Paul Gorst - No shame in current role within squad
With Liverpool now up to 120 goals scored across all competitions this term, it seems harsh in the extreme to critique their output up top.
But after close to 18 months since his arrival of PSV Eindhoven, it seems Cody Gakpo is still trying to find a place within this Reds' setup.
Jurgen Klopp has tried him through the middle - as a sort Roberto Firmino-lite 'false 9' - as well as the most advanced midfielder in an adventurous 4-2-3-1 system. The Netherlands international has occasionally been deployed on the left of the front three, where he made his name in Dutch football too.
But if Gakpo has yet to properly convince everyone in any of those slots, that perhaps does a disservice to the importance of his current status within the ranks.
With Darwin Nunez on 17 for the season, Mohamed Salah up to 21 and an injured Diogo Jota on 14, Gakpo's more-than-respectable
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
