In light of the impending departure of Roberto Firmino from Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has wasted no time in identifying Cody Gakpo as a potential replacement for the forward’s role of Liverpool.
Firmino, 31, has been at Liverpool since 2015 but is set to depart the club at the end of his contract in June – despite being offered fresh terms.
Gakpo Rising: Klopp Identifies the Successor of Firmino at Liverpool
Klopp has praised Gakpo’s versatility and football intelligence, noting that the 23-year-old Dutchman has already shown great promise since his arrival from PSV in January, scoring five goals in 14 Premier League matches and impressing as a center-forward in Liverpool’s recent victory over Nottingham Forest.
As Klopp eloquently put it,
“He can create his own way there on the position, so it’s not like we have to do it exactly [the same] because nobody can do it like Bobby, because nobody is Bobby.”
Klopp continued:
“That means you have to find your own way and I think that’s much more important. That’s where Cody is up to. I thought Cody, since he’s here, did exceptionally well.
We didn’t do that well – that for a new player is super-difficult.It’s super-difficult to come into the team and it’s not clicking. He did really well in that period. And now when we do better then obviously people maybe realise his performances, and that’s it. But from the first day since he’s here, he’s a real joy to work with.”
Klopp has been impressed with Gakpo’s ability to create shooting opportunities, particularly when cutting inside from wide positions and using his agility and balance to strike the ball with precision.
Despite opponents often trying to force him onto his weaker left foot, Gakpo has shown significant improvement with that foot, and his explosive movements and quick decision-making make him a threat in the final third.
Klopp also highlighted Gakpo’s ability to draw fouls in dangerous positions and contribute to the team’s overall progress up the pitch.
While acknowledging that Firmino’s unique skillset cannot be replicated, Klopp sees Gakpo as a player who can forge his own path in the forward role for Liverpool.
With his speed, versatility, and technical ability, Gakpo has the potential to fill the void left by Firmino and make a significant impact in the attacking department.
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