Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for using Cody Gakpo as a striker.
The Dutch ahead joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven for €50 million, together with add-ons in January this 12 months. He struggled to impress in his first few video games however just lately scored his first purpose for the membership. Gakpo netted their second purpose in a 2-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on February 13.
Manager Klopp has usually used the Dutchman as a striker with Darwin Nunez on the left and Mohamed Salah on the best. However, Gakpo’s compatriot Van der Vaart believes that it is not the best place for the ahead.
Speaking on Ladbrokes, he mentioned:
“The largest shock for me wasn’t that Liverpool purchased Cody Gakpo final month – look, if in case you have the form of event he did in Qatar, you are going to entice curiosity from a lot of high golf equipment.
“But, for me, they’ve signed a player who has played his whole career as a left-winger, and in the national team he’s played as a number 10, a second striker… and now he’s playing as a striker? He’s not a striker!”
From again to entrance in a flash ⚡A memorable first Reds purpose for Cody Gakpo ❤️ https://t.co/Qr81i8soE8
Van der Vaart identified Gakpo’s strengths and claimed that he’s higher suited to play on the left wing. He mentioned:
“Cody needs space to play in, he needs to run with the ball, that’s where he’s most dangerous. That’s the biggest issue he has at Liverpool, why are they playing him as a number nine? He’s a left-winger who can cut inside and cause danger there.”
Gakpo has scored one purpose in seven appearances for Liverpool. Prior to his transfer final month, he had registered 13 targets and 17 assists in 24 video games for PSV Eindhoven in the primary half of the 2022-23 season.
Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo on his most popular place
Cody Gakpo was just lately requested by Sky Sports about his most popular taking part in place as nicely. The Netherlands worldwide replied:
“Obviously I played a few games in the centre and more like a false nine to be involved in the build-up, try and be involved in the build-up, and from there go forward. It’s another role than I’m used to, but it’s good for me to improve the position and keep working.”
Gakpo will seemingly have extra competitors for his place now with Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota again in motion for Liverpool. Luis Diaz is ready to return quickly as nicely.
The Reds are ninth in the Premier League desk and can subsequent face Newcastle United away on Saturday, February 18.
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