Cody Gakpo has steadily grown into his false 9 position at Liverpool since arriving in January, however continues to be uncertain on the long-term plan.
Gakpo impressed for the Netherlands on the World Cup, scoring three targets as his nation reached the quarter-final stage, the place they have been knocked out by the eventual winners, Argentina, on penalties.
His performances in Qatar attracted curiosity from a number of golf equipment but it surely was Liverpool that signed the attacker, agreeing a charge of £37 million with PSV Eindhoven.
Since transferring to Merseyside, the Dutchman has taken some time to settle in, with Jurgen Klopp opting to play him in a brand new centre-forward place, changing Roberto Firmino within the group.
This can be a new position for Gakpo, who was beforehand recognized for taking part in on the left and reducing inside onto his proper foot.
He has steadily rising into the place, although, and actually introduced his arrival at Anfield with two beautiful targets in Liverpool’s 7-0 demolition of Man United.
Regardless of taking part in the vast majority of his soccer by means of the center underneath Klopp, Gakpo has admitted that he isn’t certain the place he’ll play in the long run.
Talking to The Athletic, Gakpo mentioned: “I’ve performed nearly all my video games right here in that false 9 place.
“For me, it’s only a case of getting used to it. Whether or not that’s the long-term plan for me, you’d have to talk to the coach about that.”
The 23-year-old additionally defined how Firmino – who will depart in the summertime after occupying the false 9 place since 2015 – has helped him be taught the position.
“Bobby is an incredible participant and likewise an incredible particular person. He tries to assist me [play that position] in any method he can and I actually respect it,” added Gakpo.
Throughout his time with the membership to date, Gakpo has averaged just below one aim for each three matches performed, whereas Firmino has a aim each 2.56 video games throughout his Liverpool profession.
The Brazilian’s job description hasn’t been to attain essentially the most targets within the group, although.
With Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah on both flank and Luis Diaz returning quickly too, Gakpo will hope to finish the season on a excessive.
He mentioned: “Everybody helped me at first to settle. I’m wanting ahead to working laborious with the group, enhancing and successful video games once more.”
“The message from the supervisor [after losing 4-1 to Man City] was that we needed to stick collectively, we needed to preserve going,” Gakpo continued.
“Everybody is aware of it’s been a tough time but when all of us keep collectively then I do know issues will flip for us.”
