Few Liverpool players divide opinion right now quite like Cody Gakpo. On paper, he has the tools to be a key part of Arne Slot’s attack — technically gifted, versatile, and capable of moments of real quality. But week after week, many supporters are left asking the same question: how long can this go on, and why does Slot refuse to drop him?
The frustration isn’t just about missed chances or quiet games. It’s about inconsistency. Gakpo can look sharp for a short spell, link play nicely, and then disappear entirely when Liverpool need him most. In matches where intensity and directness are required, he too often fades out, leaving fans wondering what his actual role is meant to be.
What makes it harder to accept is that this isn’t a new problem. Liverpool supporters have seen this version of Gakpo before — flashes of promise followed by long periods where he offers little end product. Yet despite this, he continues to start games, while others are rotated, questioned, or hooked early.
From Arne Slot’s perspective, there may be logic behind the loyalty. Gakpo fits the system tactically. He presses when instructed, understands positional rotations, and can drop into midfield areas to help control games. Slot may value reliability in structure over risk, especially during a period of injuries and instability elsewhere in the squad.
But football isn’t played on tactical boards alone. Supporters see the momentum stall when attacks break down around Gakpo. They see chances slow, decision-making hesitate, and promising moves lose their edge. At Anfield, patience wears thin quickly when effort isn’t matched by impact.
The bigger issue is the message it sends. If underperforming players continue to start regardless, what incentive is there for others to force their way in? Liverpool fans aren’t necessarily demanding Gakpo be written off — they’re asking for accountability. A spell on the bench isn’t a punishment; it’s often a reset.
This is where Slot faces one of his earliest tests as Liverpool manager. Sticking by his players shows trust, but ignoring fan frustration and on-pitch evidence risks disconnect. Dropping Gakpo for a game or two wouldn’t be an admission of failure — it would be a statement that standards matter.
Because right now, supporters aren’t confused about Gakpo’s talent. They’re confused about his selection. And until that changes, the noise around him — and around Slot — is only going to get louder.