Liverpool have landed Netherlands’ World Cup ace Cody Gakpo – and Daily Star Sport is looking at four different ways Jurgen Klopp could utilise his new starlet.
Cody Gakpo has signed with Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp has bolstered his frontline again as Liverpool have announced they have agreed a deal with PSV for young starlet Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo had been linked with Leeds United and Southampton, but after an incredible World Cup campaign – he was suddenly linked with the likes of the Reds and Real Madrid. And the Reds won the race for the Dutchman on Boxing Day.
Klopp’s preferred a front three during his time on Merseyside – and so Daily Star Sport will be looking at 4-3-3 as the German’s main option. However, whatever line-up Klopp opts for, Reds fans will be hoping for an instant impact from Gakpo.
Gakpo – Nunez – Salah
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on December 26, 2022 in Birmingham, England.
Cody Gakpo could partner Mohamed Salah on the wings (Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
On Boxing Day, Liverpool fans fumed at FSG for their lack of investment when Klopp was forced to start Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain on the left wing for their clash with Aston Villa.
It’s easy to assume when Gakpo rocks up at Anfield for the first time he will slot in on the left-hand side. Gakpo’s introduction on the left would also make sense due to Luis Diaz’s injury and Sadio Mane’s departure to Bayern Munich last summer.
Gakpo was deployed mainly on the left for PSV, but he can play across the front line.
Gakpo – Nunez – Diaz
Liverpool’s future front three could have just been silently completed, and gone are the days of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Mane.
Which set-up do you think Klopp should opt for going forward? Let us know in the comments section.
Luis Diaz is currently injured, but he could be Diaz’s main partner on the wing (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Gakpo’s flexibility could see him play on either wing when Diaz returns from injury. However, the cold-hard fact Liverpool fans might not want to accept is Salah’s days at Anfield could be numbered, and Klopp might look to phase out the Egyptian.
While Gakpo isn’t Salah’s direct replacement, it wouldn’t be a huge shock if Liverpool’s main man is soon the Dutchman.
Gakpo – Firmino – Salah
Roberto Firmino dropping deep could allow Cody Gakpo to play more direct
Gakpo playing up-front for the Netherlands at the World Cup, and Klopp could hand him a more direct role for Liverpool.
Firmino is at his most effective for the Reds when he’s dropping between the lines and making late runs into the box. This movement would allow Gakpo and Salah to make more direct runs and be more aggressive with their movement – on and off the ball.
It would also create more space out-wide for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to hit the byline.
Gakpo – Nunez
Darwin Nunez has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
While Klopp has often turned to his trusted 4-3-3, the German isn’t just limited to the one formation.
And if Klopp wants to deploy all four of his attacking stars, he could be forced to switch to a 4-4-2 – which has had a resurgence in recent months. With Gakpo’s experience up front, he could be the perfect partner for Nunez.
Meanwhile, Fabinho and Thiago could lock down the midfield with Salah and Diaz on the wings.
SOURCE: dailystar.co.uk
