Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo is one of several talented forwards on the team who could become an increasingly more important part of the squad in 2024.
The Reds remain in the thick of the Premier League title race, bouncing back from a few negative results with a massive 4-2 win over Tottenham this past weekend.
Cody Gakpo played a starring role, scoring and assisting in the same game for just the second time this season. The Dutchman’s assist was a particular highlight, as he lofted the ball expertly to Mohamed Salah at the far post.
Signed in the winter 2023 transfer window, Gakpo was one of finest players in European football while at PSV, but it has taken him a little bit of time to find his footing as a regular for Liverpool.
Even now, the talented 24-year-old does not start every game, and there was a recent streak of matches in which he made five straight appearances off the bench.
When healthy, Gakpo has the technical and athletic tools to be a regular starter for Liverpool, but the Reds need to figure out what the versatile attacker’s best position is.
As Phil Foden can attest over at Manchester City, a talented young player’s versatility can end up becoming a bit of an annoyance, because it prevents that player from settling into a rhythm at one particular position.
In the case of Cody Gakpo, the left wing position may be the best role that suits him in both the short and long term, because he can use all of his gifts to their fullest in that position.
Of course, the left wing job is occupied by another talented winger in Luis Diaz, who is an explosive dribbler and capable creator. But Diaz could be on his way out of Liverpool, if the PSG and Barcelona transfer rumors are to be believed.
That could open up an opportunity for Gakpo to start regularly there. Gakpo has the technical quality and eye for the pass to be a 10, but that’s not a talent-scarce position – and that role can easily be occupied by a few other Liverpool standouts, such as Dominik Szoboszlai and standout loanee Fabio Carvalho.
Gakpo, meanwhile, could be a stronger, more technical alternative to Diaz on the left wing, playing a little slower but also a little closer to goal and lofting in those kinds of assists like the one to Salah.
The left wing position affords Gakpo a chance to play like a true forward, focusing on contributing to goals and playing almost like a supporter striker, even moreso than an inverted right-footed left winger.
The managing editor of The Trivela Effect, Kevin has 15 years of experience in digital media. He has been an editor for NFL Spin Zone, Daily DDT for pro wrestling, Autzen Zoo covering the Oregon Ducks, Musket Fire covering the New England Patriots, The Real Champs covering Real Madrid, Old Juve covering Juventus, Rush The Kop covering Liverpool, and Release The Knappen covering Schalke. His work has been featured in ESPN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, NBC Sports, and other outlets. You can contact him at the site’s official Twitter handle @TrivelaEffect or via the site’s official email thetrivelaeffect@gmail.com.