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A Journey of Decisions and Opportunities
Cody Gakpo, the Dutch forward, is set to play a pivotal role in Liverpool’s upcoming derby against Manchester United. As he reflects on his two-year journey at Anfield, one can’t help but wonder how different things might have been had Erik ten Hag successfully signed him for United back in 2022. Gakpo himself acknowledges the near-miss, stating, “I was in contact with the club and spoke to the manager… but at the end it didn’t go through and that’s just it. And in the winter Liverpool came. Best decision for me.”
Gakpo vs. United: A Tale of Two Teams
As Liverpool prepares to face a struggling Manchester United side, Gakpo’s contributions have proven invaluable. While United finds itself languishing in the lower half of the table, with forwards like Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford underperforming, Gakpo has emerged as a vital player for Liverpool, helping them maintain their position at the top of the league under manager Arne Slot.
Crucial Goals in Critical Moments
While Mohamed Salah has been the standout performer for Liverpool this season, leading the team in goals and assists, Gakpo’s impact cannot be overlooked. His five Premier League goals have come at crucial junctures, including three equalisers when Liverpool was trailing. Notably, Gakpo scored a pivotal goal against Leicester on Boxing Day, two against Fulham, and another against Brighton. He also made headlines with his opener in a tense match against Manchester City and sealed a vital victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Statistical Superiority: Gakpo’s Impact
Gakpo’s ability to create scoring opportunities is highlighted by his impressive average of shot-creation actions per 90 minutes, surpassing even Salah’s contributions. This statistic underscores his role as a key player in Liverpool’s attacking strategy, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness across various competitions.
Transformation Under New Management
Gakpo’s resurgence can be attributed to his repositioning on the left wing, a role he thrived in at PSV Eindhoven. Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, he often found himself deployed in less familiar positions, which hindered his performance. However, since Slot’s arrival, Gakpo has returned to his preferred position, allowing him to rediscover his form. “It felt a little bit, for me, like the old me,” he explained, emphasising how this change has revitalised his game.
The Crunch Time Ahead
As Liverpool enters a demanding January schedule with eight matches lined up, Gakpo’s contributions will be more crucial than ever. His ability to perform under pressure will be tested, and fans will be eager to see if he can continue to deliver when it matters most. With Liverpool aiming for success across all competitions, Gakpo is poised to be a key figure in their pursuit of glory.
Catch the Action: Liverpool vs. Manchester United
Don’t miss the thrilling encounter between Liverpool and Manchester United this Sunday at Anfield, kicking off at 4.30pm. With Gakpo in fine form, this match promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and rivalry, streamed live on Sky Sports Premier League.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://3pointsforawin.com/celtics-disastrous-derby-a-3-0-defeat-to-rangers/
