If there’s one Liverpool player who has arguably become the face of the team’s poor form this season it is Cody Gakpo.
The Dutchman has perhaps not been the worst Reds’ player – and none of his teammates can better his tally of Premier League goals and assists – but he has frustrated fans beyond belief.
Having spent the 2024/25 season rotating with Luis Diaz for the most part, Gakpo has assumed a much more regular starting role this time.
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Who was your Man of the Match against Sunderland?
Florian Wirtz pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
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Sadly, this has not led to an improvement, with the 26-year-old showing himself to be one-paced, predictable and detrimental to Liverpool winning football matches.
Despite his sluggish displays, Slot has continued picking his countryman, much to the annoyance of many in the fanbase. That continued on Wednesday as Gakpo began on the left-hand side against Sunderland. However having been withdrawn at half-time, it seems the ball is finally dropping for the forward.
Arne Slot admits to Cody Gakpo struggles
Gakpo’s continued protection within the Liverpool XI has led to complete bemusement for some supporters, and outright anger for others.
The former PSV Eindhoven man may be scoring with relative frequency, but his overall performances are not good enough. This was recognised on Wednesday as Slot hauled him off at the break.
Cody Gakpo challenges Nordi Mukiele during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Liverpool’s player ratings vs Sunderland as Reds steal a point despite lacklustre performance
Asked why he removed Gakpo and introduced Mohamed Salah at half-time, the Liverpool head coach admitted that he felt his No. 18 was struggling.
“In my opinion, Cody struggled to dominate the one-v-ones,” said Slot. “If you want to have any chance against, like I said, they were pressing high but also in multiple situations they were in a low block, [so] the way to score is quite simple: you need a moment of magic from a player or you need a set-piece to score.
“I felt in the first half Cody struggled to find that moment because it was hard for him to dominate the one-v-one or get crosses in.”
What is the answer to the left side of Liverpool’s attack?
Cody Gakpo challenges Nordi Mukiele during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Cody Gakpo vs Sunderland:
0 chances created
0.04 xG
0/1 shots on target
26 touches
0/1 successful dribbles
Dispossesed twice
1/4 ground duels won
Disasterclass
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“In the first half we played with Szoboszlai off the right to be defensively strong enough not to concede enough as we did in the last few weeks. I changed it to Mo on the right side and then played with Florian Wirtz off the left.”
Slot has to start Hugo Ekitike
Although he has been a good player for Liverpool and is a serviceable squad option, Gakpo has proved beyond any doubt this season that he is not quite good enough to start regularly.
The Netherlands international is far too one-dimensional. Despite opponents knowing he is going to cut inside on his right foot nine times out of ten, he continues to do it and continues to be thwarted.
Some may question whether Slot has a genuine second option after selling Diaz and failing to replace him over the summer.
But the clear answer here is to put Hugo Ekitike in in Gakpo’s place. Slot has to find a way to get Ekitike and Isak starting regularly together and Gakpo’s poor form is the perfect chance to try that.
It has been clear to most Liverpool fans for a while now that Gakpo should not continue to play week in week out for the Reds. It may have taken him too long to realise it, but it seems Slot knows that now too.
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