Arne Slot Reveals Gakpo’s Unexpected Start in Liverpool’s Win Over AC Milan

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over AC Milan saw an impressive performance from Cody Gakpo, but it has been revealed by Arne Slot that this was not originally part of the plan for the Dutch forward’s season debut.

Gakpo’s Role in Liverpool’s Line-up

Cody Gakpo, wearing the No. 18 shirt, stepped into the starting XI for Liverpool’s clash against AC Milan, replacing Luis Diaz on the left wing. His performance was one of the highlights, but Slot had initially planned for Gakpo to make his first start of the season during Liverpool’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.

Prior to the Champions League fixture, Gakpo had only featured as a substitute in four consecutive games. Slot’s initial strategy had to be adjusted after Gakpo played 156 out of a possible 180 minutes for the Netherlands during the international break.

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Slot’s Tactical Shift

Speaking to Prime Video, Arne Slot explained the rationale behind his decision: “You always take every game by itself, see how the opponent plays and see how fit the players are. I actually would have planned to play Cody on Saturday, but Cody, for the first time, played two games with the Dutch national team, and Lucho was more fit than Cody on Saturday.”

This tactical adjustment saw Diaz start against Forest, leaving Gakpo to make a major impact against Milan, where he did “well,” according to Slot.

Gakpo’s Impact on the Pitch

Gakpo’s energy and performance were undeniable. He contributed with an assist and won seven duels, finishing the match with FotMob’s joint-highest player rating of 8.2 out of 10. Though he was substituted for Diaz after 68 minutes, Gakpo had already made a strong case for a continued spot in the starting XI.

What’s Next for Liverpool and Gakpo?

As Liverpool face a busy period across multiple competitions, Slot’s rotation strategy will be key. Gakpo’s performance against Milan has certainly increased his chances of starting when the Reds meet Bournemouth this weekend. Slot’s ability to manage his squad’s fitness and form could be pivotal for Liverpool’s success in the coming weeks.