Arne Slot has been discussing his selection choices this season at Liverpool, offering insight into why certain players have been preferred in key attacking roles.
Speaking about his squad, Slot said:
“It’s clear that when you have players like Cody Gakpo playing for your club, it’s important to play him no matter what position you try to fit him in. With Rio and others, it’s hard for them to start consistently because of that, but it’s up to them to study how Cody trains and prepares so they can reach his level.”
The comments are likely to split opinion among supporters, particularly given how inconsistent Liverpool’s attacking performances have been at times this season.
Cody Gakpo has often been used across the front line, shifting between positions depending on the game, which has made him a regular feature in Slot’s plans.
That flexibility has clearly kept him in the team, even during difficult spells.
However, personally I think there is a real debate here.
Gakpo might well be excellent in training and clearly has the trust of the coaching staff, but on the pitch this season he simply hasn’t consistently reproduced that level. In my view, he has been very poor at times, and Liverpool have not always got enough output from him in key moments.
That’s why some fans feel frustrated when other attacking options are limited in favour of him.
Younger players such as Rio Ngumoha have struggled for consistent starts despite showing flashes when given opportunities.
For supporters, that raises the question of balance — between training performance, trust, and actual matchday impact.
Slot’s message, though, is clear: standards matter.
He is essentially pointing to preparation and professionalism as key reasons players are selected, suggesting that those outside the starting XI must match those levels to break through.
Still, with Liverpool’s season producing mixed results and inconsistent attacking displays, selection decisions like this will continue to be heavily debated among supporters trying to understand the direction of the team under Slot.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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