Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer believes Cody Gakpo is unfairly criticised by the fans. He claims that the Dutchman has become an easy target this season and does not get the credit when he plays well.
Speaking on the official Liverpool FC podcast, McAteer backed Gakpo, saying that the forward has produced goals and assists this season, while always turning up when needed. He believes the former PSV star has become the player fans are ready to blame at every dip, and said:
"I've a slight sympathy for Cody [Gakpo]. I think sometimes he can be unfairly criticized. When it’s not going well, I think he’s an easy target. He puts a right shift in and sometimes doesn’t get the credit he’s worthy of. He’s having quite a productive season, scoring goals."
"Gakpo is kind of predictable. He’s right-footed, he comes in off the left, the gap opens up and he takes that opportunity. He’s maybe not as productive as last season but he’s still contributing a lot this season in front of goal and he gets his reward."
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also took shots at Gakpo last week, urging manager Arne Slot to give Rio Ngumoha a go in the starting XI. He claimed that the teenager did more than Gakpo and Mohamed Salah in the win over Nottingham Forest and said (via This Is Anfield):
“Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that. He changed the game and needs to be starting games.”
Cody Gakpo has played 26 Premier League matches this season, scoring six goals and assisting three times. He has two goals and an assist in seven UEFA Champions League matches.
Arne Slot unwilling to put pressure on Liverpool teenager
Arne Slot responded to Jamie Carragher's calls to give Rio Ngumoha a chance in the starting XI, saying that the teenager was not ready. He wants to give the Chelsea academy product enough time to develop before he starts matches and said (via Liverpool.com):
"Let’s be clear, he is a special player that will have more playing time and already has more playing time recently. If everyone thinks he is so good, then he should be in something to talk about again. If he is already good enough to play for us, then he should definitely be, in your opinion."
Rio Ngumoha has played 16 matches in all competitions for Liverpool, starting just three times. He has scored once this season – a 100th-minute at Newcastle United early in the season.