Rafael van der Vaart is baffled by the fact that Jürgen Klopp is facing Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo. The Dutch national team used to perform best on the left side or on the number 10 jersey.
The 23-year-old, who joined from PSV last month, showed a glimpse of his potential throughout the game when he scored his first goal for the Reds in a Merseyside derby win over Everton at Anfield on Monday night.
The forwards will have a big clash as Klopp’s side travels to Newcastle on Saturday as Liverpool try to close the gap on the top four.
“The biggest surprise for me is not Liverpool’s acquisition of Cody Gakpo last month. person told Ladbrokes (via talkSPORT).
“But for me they signed a player who played his entire career as a left winger, played for the national team as a second striker with the number 10 jersey…and now he plays as a striker? ? He’s not a striker!?
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“Cody needs space to play. He has to run with the ball. That’s where he’s most dangerous. That’s his biggest problem at Liverpool.
“Why are they playing him as Number Nine? He’s a leftist who can cut in and bring danger.”
Gakpo completed his move to Merseyside after starting the campaign in impressive fashion under PSV’s Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Our new number 18 has made 24 appearances in the Eredivisie with 13 goals and 17 assists.
With the likes of Diogo Jota and Bobby Firmino back and Luis Diaz back on the training pitch, our forward options are strong again.
Darwin Nunez was also impressive against Everton and it was great to see Mo Salah back on the scoresheet.
To maximize their chances of finishing in the top four, the players at the top of the pitch need to do well in the second half of the season.
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