Cody Gakpo scored in the Premier League for the first time since January 4th on Saturday to ease some of the criticism coming his way.
The Dutchman has become a symbol of Liverpool’s poor form this season, with fans keen to see Arne Slot take him out of the team.
But with few options besides, Slot has persisted with Gakpo from the left, and he finally got his reward with a deflected goal against West Ham.
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Liverpool coach Aaron Briggs pictured during the warm-up ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
While some of the criticism has been justified, plenty of it has been over the top, and according to former Liverpool player Jason McAteer, fans should stop unfairly targeting Gakpo whenever the Reds play badly.
Gakpo doesn’t get the credit he deserves
Gakpo got the luck he has been missing on Saturday as his tame effort deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka and beyond Mads Hermansen. And speaking to The Official Liverpool Podcast post-game, McAteer explained why he was delighted to see the 26-year-old find the net.
“I’ve a slight sympathy for Cody, I think sometimes he can be unfairly criticised,” said the scouser.
“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.”
Cody Gakpo points to the sky in celebration after scoring for Liverpool against West Ham in the Premier League at Anfield
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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“He is kind of predictable,” McAteer conceded. “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.”
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“He shows good character because he misses that really big glaring opportunity, fluffs his lines and then he gets booked two minutes after. It’s a really bad four or five minutes and you’re thinking please don’t take him off! And then he goes and gets his goal and makes way. I’m a Cody fan, I am. And he’s such a nice lad as well. A lovely human being, a great fella.”
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Jeremie Frimpong celebrates after forcing an own goal during Liverpool's Premier League win over West Ham United at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Dan Mullan).
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Analysis: Is Gakpo getting a rough ride?
Ahead of Liverpool’s clash against West Ham, Rousing The Kop chartered where things have gone wrong for Gakpo at the club.
Despite McAteer’s pleas to fans, there is no question that the Netherlands international has been well below his best this season, and his continued selection has not helped them pick their form off the floor.
Nevertheless, Gakpo is not the only one who has struggled this term, and it probably is true that the good things he does get overlooked by the majority of supporters.
Cody Gakpo reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Saturday’s goal was his 49th for Liverpool, with one more taking him to half a century.
Having hit double figures in each of his two full seasons with the Reds so far, Gakpo is just two away from doing the same once again. Those are not the numbers of a player who is as useless as some supporters would have you believe.
There is a middle ground here, though, and while nobody wants to see players taking flak on a consistent basis, Gakpo will know he can play so much better. Hopefully Saturday’s goal can be the springboard for him to kick on and have a big end to the season. Without other options to call upon, Liverpool really do need him.
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