The arrival of Dutchman Cody Gakbo to the Liverpool squad will affect the position of Egyptian international, Mohamed Salah, in the squad and his playing minutes, due to German manager Jurgen Klopp’s access to more options and attacking plans.
Liverpool began the winter transfer market by signing the star player from last World Cup, scoring 3 goals in 5 games, for £45m, according to press reports, after fierce competition with compatriots Manchester United.
A report published on Wednesday by the ‘Mirror’ newspaper said that Gakpo will give Klopp more comfort in dealing with his forward line, which is averaging 2.06 goals per game during the current English Premier League season.
The report added that Liverpool are still suffering in the left wing position held by Sadio Mane before his departure, so the Dutchman’s contract was a priority, especially after injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, which showed that Liverpool lacked attacking depth.
He continued: “There is a mystery that will begin to appear in front of Klopp when all his injured players have fully recovered. He may tend to rely on Gakbo in the full-forward position keeping Nunez on the bench, Salah on the bench.” on the right and Diaz on the left, or for Gakbo to play in the Diaz position and compare Nunez and Firmino in attack.
The report also indicated that Gakpo’s presence could allow Klopp to rotate more among star players, keep Salah on the bench and give him more comfort, especially as the Egypt national team captain turns 31 next summer, but the existing problem it will remain that none of the attacking players. His main position is on the right wing, with the exception of Salah, and Jota or Gakpo himself can fill this role.
He concludes: Jakobo’s arrival could change the whole 4-3-3 scheme, especially as the 23-year-old is good at playing in the number 10 position, keeping Salah and Nunez at centre-forward, and what is certain is that Liverpool He will not be suffering from injuries up front like he suffered earlier in the season.
