Report: Liverpool Deploying In-Form Gakpo Out of Position Under Iraola
Yahoo Sports
The short version
- Cody Gakpo has been Liverpool's standout attacking player this season, per the report, with assists on all of Alexander Isak's goals.
- Liverpool reportedly came close to selling Gakpo for £80 million in the summer.
- New head coach Andoni Iraola is managing a squad described as short of right-backs, right-wingers, center forwards and defensive midfielders.
- This is Liverpool's first season since 2016 without Mohamed Salah or Andy Robertson.
- The report argues Gakpo should play his natural left-sided role rather than the right flank.
Cody Gakpo has been Liverpool's standout attacker this season, according to a Yahoo Sports report, but is being used on the right wing to cover a squad imbalance.
A Yahoo Sports report published Monday examines Liverpool's unsettled start to the season under new head coach Andoni Iraola, focusing on the deployment of forward Cody Gakpo.
According to the report, Liverpool are beginning a season without Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson for the first time since 2016, while the squad lacks natural options at right-back, right wing, center forward and defensive midfield.
The report identifies Gakpo as the club's standout attacking player so far this campaign, crediting him with assists on all of Alexander Isak's goals. It also notes Liverpool came close to selling the Dutchman for £80 million over the summer.
Despite his form, Gakpo has frequently been used on the right flank because the squad carries four left-wingers and no natural right-wingers. The report argues the arrangement asks an in-form player to work in an unnatural role and suggests Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola are better suited to that side.
The report's author contends Gakpo's best position allows him to drift inside onto his stronger foot, and recommends restoring him to his preferred role.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
Read the original report at Yahoo Sports ↗