Cody Gakpo under huge pressure to prove he can be the kind of winger Liverpool need after Luis Diaz’s latest masterclass in the art of dribbling for Bayern Munich
Gakpo’s two-and-a-half-year extension was a mirrored image of his excessive standing with Slot, however the coach has admitted that his compatriot’s usually one-dimensional play has been a difficulty this season.
“In my opinion, Cody struggled to dominate the one-v-ones,” Slot told reporters after the bitterly frustrating 1-1 draw with Sunderland in December. “If you want to have any chance against a team in a low block then the way to score is quite simple: you need a moment of magic from a player or you need a set-piece. I felt in the first half that Cody struggled to find that moment, because it was hard for him to dominate the one-v-one or get crosses in.”
For that very cause, there have been mounting calls for Slot to drop Gakpo and begin Rio Ngumoha as a substitute. The latter remains to be solely 17 years outdated, however has a present for beating defenders that his left-wing rival merely doesn’t possess – which is why Diaz is so sorely missed.
The former Porto ace was the most skilful at the membership – and by far. He accomplished 79 dribbles in all competitions final season; nearly double the quantity of Gakpo (43), whose propensity for doing the similar factor over and over whereas anticipating totally different outcomes is driving some supporters insane.
In that context, the closing few video games of a desperately underwhelming season really feel vastly essential for Gakpo, beginning with Sunday’s journey to Old Trafford. He served as a reminder of his nonetheless appreciable qualities along with his current assists for Salah, towards Fulham and Everton, whereas he additionally has document towards Manchester United – 4 objectives in six Premier League appearances, together with one in every of his final two outings.
However, what the followers would in all probability relatively see greater than him rating is proof of evolution – or, at the very least, the potential for development – as a result of it might have been exhausting for any Liverpool supporter to have come away from the collective masterclass in the art of dribbling in Paris considering that Gakpo stays the proper kind of winger for the Reds.
