Gakpo’s Man of the Match Performance Powers Liverpool to 3-1 Win Over Milan
After arriving on Merseyside in the winter transfer window of 2023, the former PSV attacker exploded onto the Anfield scene as the potential Roberto Firmino replacement. His centre forward control and false nine acumen pushed his wants to be the reds long term centre forward, which allowed some sublime performances in that initial half season at Anfield.
As time went by, however, the minutes and showings became more sporadic, with solid goal involvements often arriving against so called lesser teams. The need for elevate levels became questionable, with this season perhaps representing the crossroads for the talented player.
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Following a wonderful 2024 European Championships (for Holland), the towering attacker has had to be patient in this early season and this evening in the famous San Siro represented his first start of the season. Instead of the common central position, it appears that his new Head Coach, Arne Slot, has a preference to play the 6ft 4inch man in his more natural role on the left of the attack.
With Dominik Szoboszlai roaming around and causing chaos in the no.10 position beside him, this encounter seemed to allow Gakpo the room to drive into space and use his physicality to damage an unsure AC Milan rearguard. In full flight and with a strong hint of self-confidence, the 25-year-old was able to harness his tremendous summer form and translate that into a marvellous 68-minute showing in Italy. In the first half, his positive manner and ability to burst allowed opportunities for all those around him, which should have created a well-earned assist in that opening 45-minutes.
After the restart, the urgency of the 32-cap Netherlands international allowed the vital third Liverpool goal to arrive, with his penetration into the Milan half eventually ending in a smart assist for his teammate, Dominik Szoboszlai.
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With a strong stable of attacking assets at the AXA Training Centre, it does appear that all individuals will need to earn their stripes and subsequent starting roles under new leadership.
The loyalty of old seems to have been replaced by a want for perfection and results, something which has certainly ignited the fire within his fellow countryman, Ryan Gravenberch. With a season where more than 50-games will be needed to achieve ultimate Champions League success, the depth and quality within this star-studded group will need to be prominent throughout the campaign.
The likes of Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and the Uruguayan raging bull, Darwin Núñez, all must make the most of their early season opportunities, if they are to break into the Premier League starting lineup.
Tonight, in this most famous of European venues, the San Siro witnessed Cody Gakpo light up the stadium and take away the man of the match award with a glittering show of attacking intent and desire. Whether or not that will be enough to keep his place for the weekend schedule remains to be seen, however, food for thought has been delivered and Arne Slot now has a decision to make before Bournemouth arrive to Anfield on Sunday.
Steven Smith Pre-match Prediction:
AC Milan 1 – 1 Liverpool
