# Jurgen Klopp Emphasizes Positional Versatility in Light of Cody Gakpo’s Midfield Role
Liverpool opened their 2020/21 Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, with Luis Diaz firing the Reds into an early first-half lead before Axel Disasi levelled the scoring for the hosts shortly before the break. Liverpool were required to withstand some late pressure in order to earn themselves a point.
Cody Gakpo, who featured in midfield throughout much of the summer, was once again used in the midfield role on the opening day. After the match, Jurgen Klopp stressed in his post-match press conference that players are not fixed to one particular position on the pitch.
## Klopp: Modern Football Requires Versatility
“When we decided that everybody can get their own number on their back, then a [No.] two was not a two anymore and a [No. 6] wasn’t a six anymore,” explained the boss. “I think modern football is like that, that players can play different positions.”
The manager remains short on options in the middle of the park as Liverpool continue their search for a defensive midfield signing. It has left Gakpo needing to help out in the No. 8 role while the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones have filled in in the deeper position.
Klopp added that he believes Gakpo possesses all of the tools to operate as a midfielder, while simultaneously admitting that work needs to be done to eradicate various issues.
## Gakpo: Super Important for Liverpool
“The role suits him, definitely. He is super important for us,” Klopp continued. “I think today you could see, first game of the season, a lot of spaces to cover, gaps to close. That was actually our problem in the game, that we tried to close the gaps by dropping instead of by stepping in. It is the first game, not the last, so we have a lot of things to improve, no doubt about that. But I saw already a good basis.”
Klopp’s emphasis on positional versatility is an important one for Liverpool as they look to build on their impressive 2019/20 campaign and compete for major honours this season. With Gakpo having already proven his ability to play in midfield, he could be an important asset for the Reds this season as they look to make up for the absence of defensive midfielders.
It will be interesting to see how Gakpo develops over the course of the season and how Klopp utilizes his versatility in different positions. With Liverpool looking to challenge for major honours this season, Gakpo could be an important player for them if he can continue to develop and prove his worth in midfield.