8 months ago
138 ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that Cody Gakpo is not good enough to start for Liverpool.
The Reds are gearing up for the biggest game of their season tomorrow. Liverpool host Manchester City in what could be the title decider, and Gakpo is expected to play a part. Nicol, however, doesn’t believe he has what it takes to start.
ESPN pundit says Cody Gakpo is not good enough to start for Liverpool
Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for a fee between £35 million and £45 million in January last year (Sky Sports).
The Dutch international was viewed by many as a really good signing. His versatility combined with his goal record at PSV made him an exciting addition.
Since joining the Reds, Gakpo has scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in 65 appearances in all competitions. 19 of those 26 goal contributions have come this term.
That’s not an awful record for a player who doesn’t start every game, but he has had his struggles. That’s probably why Steve Nicol thinks he’s not good enough to get into Liverpool’s strongest lineup when everyone is fit.
The pundit said on ESPN FC: “I think he does a good job coming off the bench when you need a little freshen up or a change of face or someone needs a rest.
“If everybody’s 100% fit, I don’t think he’s in your starting 11.”
When asked if Gakpo has got what it takes to make that step up, Nicol replied: “I don’t think so. He’s a good player. He’s a top-of-the-Premier-League squad player.
“He’s a guy who can come on and do something.”
Gakpo is unlikely to start against Manchester City
Liverpool take on Manchester City tomorrow, and Jurgen Klopp has a number of injury issues.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Joel Matip and Ryan Gravenberch are all injured, while Ibrahima Konate is a big doubt for the game.
Despite all the injuries, we don’t expect Gakpo to start. We think Klopp will go with a front three of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
Gakpo, however, could still come off the bench and be a threat. He has the quality to deliver in the final third, and it won’t surprise us if he manages to get on the score sheet or grab an assist late in the game.
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