Cody Gakpo Impresses as Man of the Match in Liverpool’s EFL Cup Rout
Another midweek cup game brings yet another man of the match performance by the red’s phoenix from the flames, Cody Gakpo. The Dutchman has joined his fellow countryman, Ryan Gravenberch, in improving his overall output for the Anfield giants so far this season.
In a game where the 5-1 result flattered the actual game state, it must be noted that the clinical edge of the attacking components are more than making a difference in games that may have once been in the balance.
Though the 6ft 4inch man of the match is still idling just behind his Columbian teammate, Luis Diaz, in the Merseyside pecking order, the reaction and endeavour (of Gakpo) within these rare starts are exactly what the new Liverpool Head Coach, Arne Slot, would have wanted.
Our front 6 stats so far:
Mo Salah: 8 G/A
Luis Diaz: 6 G/A
Diogo Jota: 4 G/A
Cody Gakpo: 3 G/A
Darwin Núñez: 2 G/A
Federico Chiesa: 1 G/A pic.twitter.com/eRaaAQTbN8— Samuel (@SamueILFC) September 25, 2024
I suspect that on top of the managerial wants of the new Liverpool boss, the demand to on the players to commit to the new patterns of play is something that the group is revelling in, even at this early stage of the season.
As a wide forward that cuts in from the left wing, this PSV player of old is very much replicating his form from a dazzling summer European Championships, something which is now being carried through more consistently into his club performances.
The power and stature of the pace filled wide man is perfect for his on-rushing midfielders, whereas his fellow attackers all seem that bit calmer and coordinated in their final third approach.
The fourth and fifth Liverpool goals were against a team that had probably accepted their EFL Cup fate, however, the continued drive of the men in red could not have been more impressive under the Anfield lights. Both were well worked and well taken by the 25-year-old Netherlands international, as he strives to make that spot in the team his own.
https://twitter.com/anfieldindex/status/1839046984625181071?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
It must be noted that the performance of most were solid and professional, with each asset bringing their energy to a team performance that is rolling forwards with great momentum. The loyalty of old has been replaced by the promise of reward and the hunger games of LFC appears to have unearthed a new found strength in many.
Tonight was about resting key individuals and allowing valuable minutes to those that needed it most. The weekend trip to Wolves has produced a midweek shootout (by the attackers) to get into that first team elite and so the cycle continues. This evening produced an emphatic scoreline and a group of forwards that scored the goals to end the EFL Cup hopes of West Ham. Cody Gakpo was the star who shined brightest and once more wins the midweek accolade of best in class.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:
Liverpool 3-1 West Ham
