When Dutch international Cody Gakpo joined Liverpool in the winter of 2023, when Jurgen Klopp was in charge of the team, he was used not only as a left winger, a position he was familiar with from his time at PSV Eindhoven, but also as a centre forward and inside half.
The 25-year-old attacker has played in a variety of positions, but at EURO 2024 this summer he played many games as a left winger for the Dutch national team, dribbling the ball, creating chances and scoring goals on the left side.
Liverpool have a new manager in Arne Slot. While he said that the possession-oriented football adopted by his countryman has the potential to attract crowds, he revealed the content of the conversation that he sees his use of the left winger as a top priority.
“Very good. I think he’s coming in with a new style of play – more based on ball possession. I think it’s good for the team. Obviously we learned a lot from the previous gaffer as well. I think if you can combine both those qualities they had and tried to give us, we can be an exciting team to watch.”
“Yeah, I spoke to him and obviously he sees me as a left winger. That’s how I think he sees me. We have a lot of players in the front line and you know the season is long and there can be some injuries in every position. So he said, ‘You’re playing there but maybe I need you in another position, you can play there as well. Just be ready.’ For me, I’m here and I try to play the best football I can and help the club as much as I can with my qualities.”
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The Dutch forward is in fierce regular competition with Colombian international Luis Diaz. At the moment he looks a step behind, but he should be used in a rotation throughout the season, with the better-placed player being sent out on the pitch.
And the start of the Premier League season is just around the corner. Their opponents are Ipswich Town, who have been promoted to the Premier League this season. It will be a difficult away game at Portman Road, but we will definitely want to get a whitewash.
The 25-year-old left winger said that we have to counter the motivation and intensity of the promoted side and that we have to give it our all until the last minute. He also said that he would like to get ‘three’ points on the opening day to give the season a boost.
“Obviously they want to show that they are ready for it, and I think we understand that. We have to be aware of that in the game as well and be ready from the first minute until the last one. Exactly like you said, we have to match or even exceed their intensity and then with our qualities everywhere on the pitch we [can] win the game.”
“I think it’s very important to just take a little bit of the pressure off when you get the three points. Hopefully we play a very good game [and] get the three points, and everybody in the club feels good and from that moment on you can really work to your goals for the season.”
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