Former Actual Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp for utilizing Cody Gakpo as a striker.
The Dutch ahead joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven for €50 million, together with add-ons in January this yr. He struggled to impress in his first few video games however not too long ago scored his first purpose for the membership. Gakpo netted their second purpose in a 2-0 win over Everton within the Premier League on February 13.
Supervisor Klopp has usually used the Dutchman as a striker with Darwin Nunez on the left and Mohamed Salah on the fitting. Nonetheless, Gakpo’s compatriot Van der Vaart believes that it’s not the fitting place for the ahead.
Talking on Ladbrokes, he stated:
“The most important shock for me wasn’t that Liverpool purchased Cody Gakpo final month – look, when you’ve got the type of match he did in Qatar, you are going to entice curiosity from a whole lot of high golf equipment.
“However, for me, they’ve signed a participant who has performed his entire profession as a left-winger, and within the nationwide group he is performed as a quantity 10, a second striker… and now he is enjoying as a striker? He is not a striker!”
From again to entrance in a flash ⚡A memorable first Reds purpose for Cody Gakpo ❤️ https://t.co/Qr81i8soE8
Van der Vaart identified Gakpo’s strengths and claimed that he’s higher suited to play on the left wing. He stated:
“Cody wants area to play in, he must run with the ball, that is the place he is most harmful. That is the largest problem he has at Liverpool, why are they enjoying him as a quantity 9? He is a left-winger who can minimize inside and trigger hazard there.”
Gakpo has scored one purpose in seven appearances for Liverpool. Previous to his transfer final month, he had registered 13 objectives and 17 assists in 24 video games for PSV Eindhoven within the first half of the 2022-23 season.
Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo on his most popular place
Cody Gakpo was not too long ago requested by Sky Sports activities about his most popular enjoying place as nicely. The Netherlands worldwide replied:
“Clearly I performed just a few video games within the centre and extra like a false 9 to be concerned within the build-up, attempt to be concerned within the build-up, and from there go ahead. It is one other position than I’m used to, but it surely’s good for me to enhance the place and maintain working.”
Gakpo will possible have extra competitors for his place now with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota again in motion for Liverpool. Luis Diaz is ready to return quickly as nicely.
The Reds are ninth within the Premier League desk and can subsequent face Newcastle United away on Saturday, February 18.