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Slot needs an attacking solution | Getty Images
Arne Slot has moaned about Liverpool’s inability to beat the low block this season, but he has an easy solution.
Managers always have their favourites. As long as football is being played, there will be players who avoid the axe regardless of their form.
Liverpool bid Arne Slot is no different and despite having seven goals in 35 games across all competitions this season, Cody Gakpo simply isn’t doing enough to merit being one of the boss’ go to men. Aside from the odd goal – a goal every five games isn’t a good enough return for a Reds winger – the Netherlands international offers little else despite his athletic frame and physical attributes.
Why Liverpool should sell Cody Gakpo
If Luis Diaz had a poor game in front of goal, he would still make an impact through his pressing and work rate. He was also capable of providing a spark. Gakpo has scored a few important goals, but he isn’t inspirational or the sort of player who will get fans off their seats and raise the crowd or his teammates.
Even with Mohamed Salah expected to move to MLS or Saudi Arabia, Liverpool should still be looking for another winger and start by selling Gakpo to raise funds. With Yan Diomande tipped to replace Salah, Bayern Munich might be interested in Gakpo if they miss out on the RB Leipzig flyer. Enough money might even be raised to sign Nico Williams at Athletic Club because of their financial problems. He is more unpredictable and capable of offering the thought of maverick threat that Slot has been looking for.
Is Gakpo for sale?
According to Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, the former Sky Sports reporter suggested that it could be one in, one out, in the summer: “If Liverpool were to bring in another left-sided attacker in the summer then maybe that potentially could open the door for a move away for Cody Gakpo.
“But he’s under contract until 2030…by all accounts, he remains happy at the club even though he does come in for a bit of flak from some Liverpool fans for his performances. He’s clearly still seen as a key man by Arne Slot, because he keeps picking him.”
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