Analysing Cody Gakpo’s Future at Liverpool and His EURO 2024 Prospects
In a recent episode of Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’ podcast, David Lynch discussed the intriguing trajectory of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool, touching on his potential roles and his performance expectations for EURO 2024. As we dive deeper into Gakpo’s playing style and his fit within the Liverpool squad, it’s clear that his adaptability and prowess on the field could significantly shape his future contributions to the team.
Versatility on the Field: Gakpo’s Left-Wing Promise
David Lynch was quite explicit about Gakpo’s comfort on the left-wing, noting, “He’s definitely making a case and he just seems so natural on the left-wing.” This position allows Gakpo to leverage his speed and technical skills, making him a formidable presence against any defence. Given Liverpool’s current formation and team dynamics, utilising Gakpo on the left could indeed maximise his impact, allowing him to cut inside and utilise his strong shooting ability.
Interestingly, Lynch also reminisced about Gakpo’s initial days at the club, comparing his role as a centre-forward to that of Roberto Firmino, a beloved former player known for his creative playmaking. “I do still like him as a centre-forward by the way because when he first came to the club he played really well and looked almost Firmino-like and I loved that,” Lynch said. This flexibility in playing multiple positions speaks volumes about Gakpo’s tactical intelligence and technical skills.
Strategic Challenges and Opportunities
One of the more critical insights from Lynch pertained to Liverpool’s strategic planning, or the apparent lack thereof, in the sporting director’s role. “I think this speaks again to Liverpool not having a permanent sporting director for so long because they’ve got so many players on that left-hand side and it isn’t easy to work out where everyone fits,” he pointed out. This situation creates both a challenge and an opportunity for Liverpool to rethink its approach to player deployment and squad harmony.
Given these dynamics, it will be fascinating to see how incoming coach Arne Slot adjusts the squad’s strategy, especially in how he positions Gakpo. Lynch is optimistic, stating, “It will definitely be interesting to see how Arne Slot uses Gakpo and I can’t wait for pre-season to see how he uses the squad.”
Gakpo’s Role in EURO 2024
With EURO 2024 on the horizon, Gakpo’s form and fitness will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to get into goal-scoring positions makes him a vital asset for the national team as well. As Lynch highlighted, “He really should be in with a shout of getting a run of games on the left-wing because he gets himself into goal-scoring positions, he is a great striker of the ball and the movement just seems so much more natural to him.”
This upcoming tournament could be a defining moment in Gakpo’s career. A strong performance on the international stage can not only boost his confidence but also solidify his position at Liverpool, providing him with the leverage to command a more prominent role under the new management.
Looking Ahead
Cody Gakpo’s journey at Liverpool is poised at a crucial juncture. With his demonstrated versatility and the fresh perspectives brought in by Arne Slot, he has the potential to evolve into a key player for both his club and his country. As Liverpool navigates the complexities of squad management and strategic direction, Gakpo’s development will be a storyline to watch, not just for Liverpool fans but for football aficionados everywhere.
In sum, as we look towards EURO 2024 and the upcoming season, Cody Gakpo’s role at Liverpool appears both promising and pivotal. His adaptability and skill set position him as a player capable of making significant contributions and perhaps, changing the game when it matters most.
