Cody Gakpo looked a lot more natural down the left flank for the Netherlands again, which is something Liverpool and Arne Slot might consider this summer.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo sent another message to new Reds boss Arne Slot while on international duty with the Netherlands.
Gakpo has rarely been deployed on the left flank for his club, but he has impressed in both Euro 2024 matches thus far, scoring against Poland in the first and performing well against France. As Arne Slot preparations for the upcoming season, he should carefully evaluate his fellow countryman’s next step.
Gakpo scored nine goals and assisted 12 others for PSV in only 14 Eredivisie games, mostly on the left wing, in the half-season before signing for Liverpool almost 18 months ago. But at Anfield, Luis Diaz has the role locked down.
Gakpo has primarily played as a false nine, with mixed results, and began last season as a midfielder due to a necessity for an extra body in that position. In some ways, his adaptability has been both a handicap and a strength in his career at Liverpool.
So far in the European Championship, he has made a strong case for more regular opportunities at club level in the same position as he plays for his country. Slot, who joked earlier this week about not wanting to see his Dutch players for as long as possible this summer so they might make it all the way to the final in Germany, should be inspired by Ronald Koeman.
Gakpo looked threatening every time he received the ball on the left, even against a squad as effective as France. Gakpo was the Netherlands’ most serious danger, ahead of Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay.
Gakpo produced two chances for his teammates on the night and threatened with a good shot from beyond the box, forcing a fantastic stop when he drove inside with the ball at his feet. The 24-year-old also made the most tackles on the field, constantly tracking back to assist his fullback.
In pre-season, Slot should consider Gakpo’s best position to be on the left wing. Even if Diaz stays despite Barcelona’s interest in the Colombian, he and Gakpo should compete for a slot on the left, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez able to play through the middle and Mohamed Salah off the right.
While Liverpool could use another attacking option, Gakpo may require the club to choose between two types of players. If Gakpo can play off the left, only Diaz’s departure would necessitate the addition of another player for that position, and they could battle the Dutchman for minutes. If both are at Anfield next season, it may make sense to sign a Salah backup. Regardless, it’s a good problem to have.
Giving Gakpo a fair chance in what is clearly his strongest position should bring out the best in the $47 million (£37 million/€44 million) player. If Liverpool keeps him there on a consistent basis next season, that appears to be a good decision.
