Liverpool conceded four more goals as they suffered a third straight defeat against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
The Reds have been horrendous of late and at least remained consistent on another dismal night at Anfield.
The noise over whether Arne Slot can last any longer is growing to deafening levels, but it is without question that his players are letting him down right now.
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Who was Liverpool’s worst player against PSV Eindhoven?
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool handles the ball which later leads to a penalty to PSV Eindhoven during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
That continued on Wednesday, with Cody Gakpo once again one of the worst players on the pitch for Liverpool.
Despite being guilty of missing big chances all season long for the Reds, Gakpo has somehow retained his position as a regular starter for Slot.
After serving up one more diabolical performance at Anfield on Wednesday, the Liverpool head coach must do himself an easy favour and axe his compatriot.
Arne Slot delivers instructions for Cody Gakpo during the UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Cody Gakpo must not keep playing for Liverpool
Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat may yet prove the end of the road for Slot at Liverpool. Things just are not getting better.
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However, while the Dutchman takes the largest slice of blame for turning the Reds into a laughing stock, his players need to take responsibility too.
READ MORE: Arne Slot showed he is absolutely out of ideas at Liverpool after worrying decision vs PSV Eindhoven
Amid that, Gakpo is one of those who should be taking a long, long hard look in the mirror right now.
The 26-year-old pulled out of a 50/50 challenge during the early knockings of Saturday’s loss against Nottingham Forest, which the Anfield crowd let him know their displeasure over.
Liverpool player ratings on a dismal night against PSV Eindhoven
On Wednesday, he was better in the early part of the game, clearly wanting to make his mark against his former club. But he soon faded and was guilty of a game-changing miss with the score at 2-1.
Gakpo absolutely should have scored from Dominik Szoboszlai’s brilliant whipped cross into the back post. The goal was gaping. Instead, the Netherlands international somehow headed clean over the bar.
It was a big moment in the night and a goal could have pushed Liverpool on to a win. Instead, Gakpo missed, and PSV soon went on to punish him. In the Reds’ current predicament, you absolutely cannot miss these golden chances.
Federico Chiesa deserves his chance
Although Gakpo huffed and puffed, he never ever looked like scoring for Liverpool on Wednesday. It has been the same all season long.
Nevertheless, Slot kept him on for the full 90 minutes, another inexplicable decision from a manager who feels to be teetering on the edge.
The call was made even less understandable by the presence of Federico Chiesa on the Liverpool bench. The Italian eventually came on, but it was far too late.
Instead of persevering with a misfiring Gakpo, it is time for Slot – if he is indeed still in charge at Liverpool – to give Chiesa a go instead.
Things cannot continue this way in the dugout, but they also cannot stay the same on the pitch. That must start with removing Gakpo.
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