Liverpool's Cody Gakpo has been subject to discussion from Arne Slot and a former Reds star following his return to the scoresheet
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on January 17, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo found the net against West Ham at the weekend(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool's recent surge in form has rekindled their momentum in the race for Champions League qualification. Their three-match winning streak, including a 5-2 victory over West Ham last time out, has brought them to within three points of both Manchester United and Aston Villa, who currently occupy third and fourth place respectively.
Despite proving more consistent of late, issues continue to plague the reigning Premier League champions. The absence of a robust midfield presence and ongoing difficulties with set-pieces remain some of the most pressing concerns for Arne Slot's team.
Among these problems is the performance of Cody Gakpo, who is experiencing his worst season at the club since his £45million move to Anfield in 2022. His goal drought and below-par performances have led to calls for the Dutchman to be benched.
We explore Slot's views on the star, as well as a former Liverpool player responding to the criticism he's received.
Cody Gakpo verdict
Arne Slot instructs Cody Gakpo
Arne Slot has maintained faith in Cody Gakpo amid his goal drought(Image: Getty)
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The Dutchman is among several Liverpool players who haven't lived up to expectations this season. His lack of goals has hindered the club's struggling forward line. Gakpo's goal against West Ham was only his third since November and his first league goal since scoring against Fulham in January.
Despite his drought and some underwhelming displays, Slot said he didn't think Gakpo's confidence had been impacted. Nevertheless, he did acknowledge the forward had made different in-game choices due to his poor run of form.
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The Reds manager said: "I was happy because it was the 4-1 goal so that gave us an even more comfortable cushion, but even more happy for him to score because I think he needed that goal. I don't think his confidence was gone or away in that regard, but I did see a few times recently that he maybe made different decisions than I'm used to from him.
"That doesn't always have to mean it's a lack of confidence. But when players are not scoring for a longer and longer (time) they start to think more about their direction, and overthinking is not the best thing you can do."
'Easy target' claim
Liverpool's Dutch striker #18 Cody Gakpo (R) celebrates with Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike (L) after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Ham United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
The Dutchman returned to scoring ways against West Ham(Image: Getty Images)
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Gakpo, specifically, has encountered increasing demands to be dropped amid his poor form, with sections of the Liverpool support wanting to see Rio Ngumoha start in the left-wing role.
The substantial criticism the 26-year-old has attracted when Liverpool aren't performing at their peak is partly down to being an "easy target", according to former Reds midfielder Jason McAteer. Speaking on the official Liverpool FC podcast, the ex-Ireland international stated: "I've a slight sympathy for Cody.
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"I think sometimes he can be unfairly criticised. 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.
"With only eight goals to his name in all competitions this season, he's netted 10 fewer so far than during the entirety of last season's title-winning campaign."
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