After beating Wolves in the FA Cup, the Reds take on Chelsea. According to Paul Merson, Liverpool should bench attacker Cody Gakpo this weekend when they play Chelsea at Anfield in the Premier League.
Thanks to Harvey Elliott‘s brilliant goal, Liverpool won their FA Cup fixture against Wolves. As they head on to take Chelsea next, Merson hints Klopp to try his other attacking options as Cody Gakpo is struggling in the starting lineup.
What Merson said on Gakpo ahead of Liverpool Chelsea clash
Gakpo has reportedly struggled for Liverpool, according to the former Arsenal player, and Klopp should drop him from the starting eleven, according to the player. The Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea will take place at Anfield on Saturday.
Merson:
“Cody Gakpo’s been struggling a bit so far – I can’t remember players for Holland coming in and ripping it up in the Premier League in the last couple of years. He’ll need time, and he might need to come out of the team for a game or two.”
Since joining Liverpool from PSV during the January transfer window, Cody Gakpo has not performed all that well. Given that he has just played in a few games, it is reasonable that he hasn’t been able to adjust properly. But fans believe Klopp can’t just leave him in the starting lineup and hope that he finds his mojo again as soon as possible.
Will Anfield crowd play a contributing factor in Gakpo’s confidence?
The attacker, who makes £120,000 per week, has so far played one Premier League game and two FA Cup games for the Reds since his transfer. It will be intriguing to see what Klopp decides to do with Gakpo beginning the Premier League match on Saturday against Chelsea at Anfield.
The 23-year-old might start against the Blues since Liverpool is struggling with injuries. The striker will have the support of the home crowd because the game is being played at Anfield. Gakpo hasn’t exactly been outstanding, but that doesn’t mean Klopp should cut him. Gakpo’s confidence could be damaged if the Liverpool manager decides not to keep him in the team, therefore perhaps he should be given more time.
