Gakpo’s Role as a “Functional” Player Praised by Fabregas
Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Spain midfielder, has expressed his admiration for Cody Gakpo’s contribution to Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. Fabregas describes Gakpo as a “functional” player, emphasizing his value to his teams rather than focusing solely on his attacking prowess.
During this summer’s Euros, Gakpo has been restored to his natural position on the left wing for the Netherlands. In their opening match against Poland, he showcased his abilities by scoring a goal in a 2-1 victory. Gakpo continued to impress in the 0-0 draw with France, where he posed a significant threat to the opposition. Fabregas highlighted Gakpo’s importance ahead of the match and praised his performance afterward.
Fabregas acknowledges that Gakpo may require constant guidance and instructions from the manager but emphasizes that he possesses great ability. While Gakpo may not be the most creative player, he excels in attacking spaces, possesses good movement, and has a keen eye for goal. His improvement throughout the tournament is evident, and Fabregas believes he could have scored more goals in the previous game. Overall, Fabregas believes Gakpo will be a key player for the Dutch team.
Although the notion of Gakpo needing constant instructions may be seen as a negative, it also highlights his adaptability and willingness to follow the manager’s guidance. This adaptability was evident during his time under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, where he played various roles. However, there is hope that Gakpo will now become a regular on the left wing under Arne Slot.
Fabregas’ role as a pundit for the Euros has showcased his intelligence and ability to analyze the game off the pitch. His recognition of Gakpo’s value as a “functional” player further supports the notion that Gakpo will continue to play a crucial role for both Liverpool and the Netherlands. With his skill set and versatility, Gakpo is undoubtedly a dream player for any manager.