Liverpool have made a surprise move for Netherlands striker Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. Because following having news with Manchester United for a long time, but finally moving to Anfield
It was originally believed that Liverpool were looking for more midfielders. With Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner’s contracts expiring at the end of the season, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are all aging. Over 30, so a fresh midfield is something Liverpool should be more focused on.
So why did you end up as a striker and in what dimension can Kakpo help Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp once explained Luis Diaz’s injury when confirming he was out until March. that “like being punched in the face” Diogo Jota did not return until February And Darwin Nunez seems to be tuning in and out, making the lack of a striker too big a problem to deal with.
The feeling at Liverpool is that, in terms of age, price, timing and profile, Kakpo is just right. He’s only 23, which means he has plenty of time to develop. Even that lack of experience comes with risks.
But the purchase of the kakpo signals that Liverpool are slowly moving forward. Switch from the older front trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah to the core of younger players like 23-year-old Darwin Nunez Diaz. and Chota, aged 25 and 26, respectively.
Multi-position play is another plus on Liverpool’s checklist.
When the club first tracked him in 2014, he played as a center forward in PSV’s academy. And have faith at the club that he can play along the line This means he won’t be the only option on the left.
Klopp and his staff see Kakpo as a team player. Instinctive Finishing has great speed can shoot from a distance and coordinate with others
Having players who can play in more than one position has always been important to Liverpool under Klopp. to be able to rest and rotate the main players Including combining more tactical adjustments
Cappo’s arrival also affects Fabio Carvalho, who played and scored from the left once morest Manchester City in the Carabao Cup but will now have another player. compete for a position as well on the left wing
Kakpo also has experience as an attacking midfielder. which he proved when he played centrally for the Netherlands national team during the World Cup.
Louis van Gaal’s team operates without wings. So Gakpo had to adjust his game. He doesn’t just play as a front two. But he also plays in the number 10 position behind the two strikers.
Gakpo is usually on the left wing of PSV in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. He is 188cm tall, which is tall for a winger. But it also feels like he has the attributes to develop into a future No9.
Ryan Babel once said regarding Gakpo that skills are versatile. can play along the line cut in and shoot Or tear away the defender He is always looking for opportunities. sometimes going deep to get the ball Sometimes he’ll move to the side to create space. sometimes in the middle
Kakpo’s three goals at the World Cup show promising prospects for Liverpool.
His first goal came with a header once morest Senegal.
The second goal, a 1-1 draw with Ecuador, came from a good connection and movement. before finishing with the left foot
The third goal came from a clever play, coming down to receive the ball and finish with a dominant right-hand side.
But of course, not just good at scoring goals. Because when it comes to creating opportunities The numbers from his last season are also impressive.
From 159 matches with PSV, Kakpo scored 55 goals, 50 assists, only this season scored 13 goals and 17 assists, according to The AThletic’s personal statistical chart. He has a very high ball possession number. Concerns regarding defensive and pressing games This stat has improved a lot compared to the previous season.
Swan fans, please wait patiently.
