Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has put Luis Diaz under pressure at Euro 2024

Jurgen Klopp has made very few mistakes as Liverpool manager, but his use of Cody Gakpo hasn’t always felt effective.

The Dutchman was invariably played in a central attacking role, leading the line with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz either side of him, trying his best to emulate Roberto Firmino.

There were obvious comparisons to be made between Gakpo and the Liverpool legend in terms of their subtle, elegant nature, but the former’s impact never came close to matching the latter’s since arriving.

Of the Merseysiders’ five excellent attacking options, the 25-year-old has invariably felt like the most understated member rather than a major player. And Klopp himself admitted his mistake in the way he used Gakpo.

Euro 2024 has given Gakpo the opportunity to showcase his talents on the international stage at a time when the Reds’ attack has been called into question.

Salah hasn’t looked the force he used to in the latter stages of last season, the finishing of Diaz and Darwin Nunez has left something to be desired, and Diogo Jota’s injury problems are becoming a cause for concern.

Gakpo, Liverpool’s best player at Euro 2024

Of all the Liverpool players represented in Germany this summer, Gakpo has been the biggest positive so far, helping an unconvincing Netherlands side into the knockout stages.

He has scored twice in his country’s first three games and the fact that he has shone as his side’s best attacking player on the left wing is telling.

This is a role that Gakpo often played for PSV Eindhoven before joining Liverpool in January 2023, a period which saw him signed up. 105 goal contributions (55 goals and 50 assists) in 159 appearances for the Eredivisie giants.

Soccer – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Luton Town FC LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Wednesday 21 February 2024: Cody Gakpo of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Luton Town FC at Anfield. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Liverpool Propaganda Anfield MERSEYSIDE ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2024-02-21-Liverpool_Luton-38

The Reds ace looked much more at home drifting down the left, cutting in with his deadly right foot and connecting with the full-back, compared to receiving the ball at his feet and finding himself in tight spaces.

It’s not that Gakpo can’t do a job at the top of the line — there have been impressive performances in that sporadic role — but he can’t explode there.

Gakpo’s euro in figures

His recent stats highlight the level of impact he is having in his home country compared to Liverpool central, with an average of 2.7 key passes per game coming in the way in the first three matches of the Euros.

In comparison, just 0.7 per game were achieved for the Reds in the Premier League last season, which is telling.

Similarly, his 1.7 dribbles compared to 0.9 suggests he is more of a threat driving at defenders, and his overall involvement in games is highlighted by an average of 2.3 tackles compared to 0.8.

Some have accused him of being anonymous for Liverpool, which has been justified at times, but that certainly cannot be directed at him in a Holland shirt.

Gakpo threatens Diaz

Gakpo simply looks better at home and a much stronger footballer and Arne Slot will surely be watching his performances in Germany and will feel that a berth on the left is the best way to use him at Liverpool.

What this means is a potential conundrum involving Diaz, assuming, however, that the Colombian does not move to Barcelona between now and the start of next season.

Liverpool’s No.7 has many great attributes, from quick feet to an admirable team ethic, but his end product has too often been erratic, with wasteful finishing proving costly in games over the last half term.

Honestly, Diaz improved as the campaign went on, finding the net in a more poacher-like style, but don’t back him to finish a one-on-one or trust him to play a perfect finish. ball on the counterattack.

Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates after Colombia scored a goal 0-1 during the friendly match between Spain and Colombia at London Stadium, London, England Richard Callis/SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xRichardxCallis/SPPx spp-en-RiCa-rmc220324-0916

In Gakpo, Liverpool arguably have a more ruthless left-back in their ranks – he just hasn’t been able to fully excel there through no choice of his own.

The rotation is a prominent aspect of the modern game, so it’s possible that Gakpo and Diaz will be juggled in that position, both earning plenty of minutes, but current evidence suggests going with the former more often might be the way to go .

Slot gave food for thought

It’s only been three games, though, and there’s no doubt that the Dutchman needs to be more consistent to justify the claims of being a regular starter for Liverpool.

Central play can’t be used as too much of an excuse for some disappointing performances and given his technical ability and towering physique, he needs to be in a position to get every ounce of his potential .

There’s a lingering feeling that’s not the case at the moment, even if his languid style can unfairly work against him at times, but he has everything in his cupboard to be a superb wide option for the Slot.

A last 16 meeting with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s England has been avoided by Gakpo, with potentially a semi-final clash eventually, and this is a big chance for the Liverpool striker to continue to stand out in the competition, going deep into the competition. the last stages of the process.

He showed Slot that Klopp was wrong to predominantly use him as a centre-forward, and with doubts lingering over Diaz, the new Reds boss may feel he already has a superior option in his squad.