Liverpool strengthened their grip on a place in next season's Champions League tournament with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds claimed all three points thanks to goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson, and Florian Wirtz, while they conceded to a controversial finish from Daniel Munoz while goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was down injured.
But despite the result and the three points helping them move eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton with four games remaining in the Premier League, it's clear that Arne Slot needs to make a big decision about the future of one first-team star after another underwhelming performance.
Liverpool Must Axe Gakpo
cody gakpo
With Hugo Ekitike sidelined for the long-term, Slot opted to go with an attack consisting of Isak, Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, which saw the team struggle to create a boat load of chances despite their three goals.
Salah was forced off injured with a hamstring injury in the second half, but it was Gakpo who was the biggest underperfomer in the side with a disappointing display. The Netherlands international didn't complete a single successful cross, lost possession 13 times, had just a 63% passing accuracy, and completed just one successful dribble, according to Sofascore, despite completing 90 minutes.
That level of performance from someone who would be considered a senior player in the squad simply isn't good enough, and while the club have essentially secured their spot in the Champions League next season, this is a chance to start planning ahead for next season.
The manager has got limited options in his squad currently, but if he can't give players an opportunity to shine in the current situation, then it tells you that he clearly doesn't trust the players he has.
Ngumoha Deserves Regular Starts
Arne Slot Rio Ngumoha
Since breaking into the team this season, Rio Ngumoha has electrified fans with his pace, skill and dribbling ability. In recent times he has been the saviour too, scoring a stunner in the win against Fulham when the team was struggling for form.
Despite his tender age, he has proven that he is ready to step into the first-team and perform against all opposition, and it's time that Slot gives him a run of games to show that, instead of continuously playing an underperforming Gakpo.
His 4/10 rating against Palace, despite the win, suggests that it's time to try something new, and Slot would be smart to give Ngumoha those chances now ahead of what will be an important and busy summer transfer window.
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