Jurgen Klopp admits he misused Liverpool attacker this season
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is adamant Cody Gakpo is heading in the proper direction however admits he misused the Dutch ahead this season.
Gakpo joined the Reds from Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for an initial £37 million. The Netherlands international’s stock was high amid stellar shape at Philips Arena and at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
However, the 24-year-old has extremely struggled to reach expectations for the duration of his time at Anfield. He’s failed to cement himself as a ordinary starter and observed himself playing in central midfield seven instances this season.Klopp appears to have cautioned that the use of Gakpo in midfield stunted his development. The Liverpool boss claimed that he was short of preferences so became to the attacker (via Anfield Watch):
“I brought on a bit of a hassle in a phase the place we didn’t have midfielders, so I put him in midfield. It didn’t work out well. I idea he was once alright but he couldn’t reap the confidence every player needs.”Gakpo has returned to his acquainted function in Klopp’s frontline and last performed in midfield in a 0-0 draw with Manchester United (December 17). He’s registered 14 goals and four assists in forty five video games across competitions, all coming from attacking position.Klopp alluded to his upturn in form:
“Since he’s lower back up front, and he can play in between the strains and be himself, it’s all heading in the right direction again.”Gakpo does face hefty opposition for a starting berth in Liverpool’s front three. Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz appear to be Klopp ideal frontline whilst Diogo Jota is also an option.
