Unleashing Cody Gakpo’s Potential: The Key to Liverpool’s Success
As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming season, one of the most crucial tasks for new head coach Arne Slot will be getting the best out of Cody Gakpo. The young winger has been making waves at the Euros, with three goals in four games, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot award. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has shed light on the key to unlocking Gakpo’s potential and why he is such a vital player.
According to Koeman, Gakpo excels when playing as a left winger. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one and his versatility both inside and outside make him a dangerous threat on the left side. This is the position that earned him his £37 million move to Liverpool in the first place. Koeman emphasized that Gakpo has been playing at an exceptional level during the tournament and that he is arguably the most important player for the Netherlands so far.
In addition to his role as a left winger, Gakpo also showcased his adaptability by taking on the duties of a centre-forward late in the game against Romania. However, Koeman acknowledged that Gakpo is most effective when deployed on the left side. This revelation is significant given that Gakpo primarily played as a striker during his time under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, with only 14 appearances as a left winger. It is expected that under Slot’s guidance, Gakpo will be restored to his natural role on the left flank.
While Gakpo’s performances at the Euros have been impressive, it remains to be seen how he will fit into Slot’s plans at Liverpool. The new head coach has yet to work with the squad, and Gakpo will join preseason training later than the initial start date. However, there is no doubt that Gakpo has shown his potential and consistency during the tournament, and Koeman’s insights provide valuable guidance on how to maximize his abilities.
As Liverpool aims to reclaim its position among the top contenders in the Premier League, getting the best out of players like Gakpo will be crucial. Slot will need to utilize Gakpo’s strengths as a left winger and create a system that maximizes his impact on the pitch. By doing so, Liverpool can tap into Gakpo’s potential and benefit from his impressive performances at the Euros. The key to Liverpool’s success lies in unlocking the full potential of players like Cody Gakpo.