Liverpool have made a surprise move for Dutch striker Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. Because after news with Manchester United for a long time, but finally moved to Anfield
Liverpool were initially believed to be looking for more midfielders. With the contracts of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner expiring at the end of the season, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are aging and well into their 30s, so a fresh midfield is something Liverpool should focus more on.
So why did you end up as a striker and to what extent can Kakpo help Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp once explained Luis Diaz’s injury by confirming he would be out until March. that ‘like getting punched in the face’ Diogo Jota didn’t return until February And Darwin Nunez seems to be tuning in and out, making the lack of a striker too big an issue to deal with.
The feeling at Liverpool is that, in terms of age, price, timing and profile, Kakpo is right: he’s only 23, which means he has plenty of time to grow. Even that lack of experience comes with risks.
But the purchase of the kakpo signals that Liverpool are slowly moving forward. He moves from the older 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 watch list.
When the club first tracked him down in 2014, he played as a centre-forward in PSV’s youth academy. And have faith in the club that he can play down the line. That means he won’t be the only option left.
Klopp and his staff see Kakpo as a team player. Instinctive Finish 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. being able to rest and rotate the protagonists Including the combination of multiple tactical adjustments
Cappo’s arrival also affects Fabio Carvalho, who played and scored from the left against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup but will now have another player.
Kakpo also has experience as an attacking midfielder. which he demonstrated when he played centrally for the Dutch national team during the World Cup.
Louis van Gaal’s team operates without wings. So Gakpo had to change his game. He doesn’t just play as a striker. But he also plays in the number 10 position behind the two forwards.
Gakpo is usually on the left wing for PSV in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 and stands 188cm tall, which is tall for a winger. But it also seems like he has what it takes to become a future number 9.
Ryan Babel once said of Gakpo that the skills are versatile. he can play down the line cut and shoot OR rip off the defender he’s always looking for opportunities. sometimes going deep to get the ball Sometimes he will move to the side to create space. sometimes in between
Kakpo’s three World Cup goals show promising prospects for Liverpool.
His first goal came with a header against Senegal.
The second goal, a 1-1 draw with Ecuador, came from good connection and movement. before finishing with the left foot
The third goal came from intelligent play, coming down to receive the ball and finishing with a dominant right foot.
But of course, not only good at scoring goals. Because when it comes to creating opportunities The numbers of his last season are also impressive.
Out of 159 games for PSV, Kakpo has scored 55 goals, 50 assists, this season alone he has scored 13 goals and 17 assists, according to The Athletic’s personal statistics, he has a very high number of ball possession. Concerns for defensive and pressing games This stat has improved a lot compared to the previous season.
Swan fans, please wait patiently.
