Currently, Liverpool expect rookie Cody Gakpo to immediately integrate at Anfield. The former PSV player made his debut in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Wolves in the FA Cup third round.
Gakpo started on the left wing in ɑttack and had an acceptable performance. He contributed to Liverpool’s second goal, although the mark was not really clear.
84 minutes on the field, Gakpo received a standing ovation from Liverpool fans.
Gakpo made his debut against Wolves in the FA Cup.
It can be said that Gakpo has many similarities with Luis Diaz when he joined Liverpool. Both are sought after by many “big men” in the Premier League. However, Liverpool were the winners, while Tottenham missed Diaz and Manchester United were disappointed by Gakpo.
However, Liverpool is now weaker than it was a year ago. Therefore, Gakpo must immediately have more impact and pressure than Diaz.
Diaz joins the second-placed team in the Premier League and has lost just two out of 43 matches in all competitions. That is Liverpool with pillars at the peak of form such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.
Even the depth of Liverpool’s squad then made coach Jurgen Klopp pressured in the selection. Therefore, Diaz has a favorable environment and conditions to “strᴜggle”.
Diaz used to integrate quickly and contributed greatly to Liverpool’s play.
Diaz scored on his FA Cup debut against Cardiff and made his Premier League debut four days later. The Colombian player integrated quickly and became the useful drill of The Kop.
Now, with Gakpo, things are completely different…
The constant plowing last season made Liverpool decline and gradually reveɑled weaknesses. The Kop are ranked 6th in the Premier League and have been eliminated by Manchester City in the League Cup.
From now until the end of the season, the possible goal for Liverpool is to be in the Top 4 in the Premier League and go as far as possible in the Champions League. It is a difficult task considering the form of The Kop and the rise of Arsenal, Newcastle and Man United.
Liverpool is 7 points behind Man United’s 4th place, the gap is not too big, but it is a problem for Liverpool in a crisis period. Therefore, Gakpo is expected to create the same impact as Diaz last season, although the circumstances are very different.
Gakpo won’t have much time to settle in at Liverpool.
While Diaz is more about speed and mutant ability, Gakpo has a refined playstyle and versatility. The most important thing is that the Dutchman’s ability to score goals will, in the short term, benefit Liverpool.
This season, Liverpool have difficulty finding the opening goal. They have 11 matches to score first and all won in the end. In contrast, The Kop conceded 14 matches before and only 4 of them brought positive results.
In fɑct, apart from Gakpo, Liverpool do not have many quality backup options. Oxlade Chamberlain, Curtis Jones or Fabio Carvalho did not provide reassurance.
Gakpo and Nunez will help Liverpool back?
Aad de Mos, former coach of Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Anderlecht thinks this is not the right time for Gakpo to join Liverpool.
However, Gakpo himself sees it differently and insists this is the right time to look for a new challenge. A year ago, Diaz helped Liverpool have more motivation to aim for the title. For now, they hope Gakpo will help the team through the difficult period.