Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is the perfect replacement for Roberto Firmino

Jürgen Klopp has a wealth of wealth ahead.

“The ticket to this team must and will be counter-pressure,” Klopp said recently, when asked about that battle for places. Gakpo’s exalted status is currently comparable to that of one of the Willy Wonka award winners. His ticket is of the gold variety. In the four months since he joined Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for an initial £37m ($44m) fee, the 23-year-old Dutch international has grown considerably in stature. Failing to score in his first six games for the club has cast doubt on the wisdom of the January transfer window, according to sporting director Julian Ward

Why did Liverpool buy another striker as they called for midfield reinforcements, doubters have claimed. Did they really need him?

No one is complaining about signing Gakpo now. He made the leap from being seen as a bonus player to becoming a vital part of a resurgent side which has finally generated some much-needed momentum as they seek to qualify for the Champions League with three straight Premier victories League. Wednesday’s hard-fought victory over West Ham United was Gakpo’s 20th appearance for the club in the league table and he capped it off with his sixth Premier League goal – a 20-year-old gently tapped the bottom corner to saving Lucas’ opening to prevent Packet.

That record itself is insignificant. Fellow signings of Klopp Salah (15 goals), Nunez, Jota (both nine) and Sadio Mane (eight) were all more productive in reaching that early milestone. However, there is something hugely impressive about the speed with which Gakpo, who scores a goal every 178 minutes, has adapted to his new environment and become an integral part of Klopp’s battle plan, especially considering the chaos he has been in. found.

With 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 games in the first half of the season, he played at left-back for PSV. Klopp described him as “a pleasure to work with…a super smart kid” and his selfless team morale is a perfect match for his manager’s demands. No wonder Gakpo has started 18 games in all competitions since his arrival and came on as a substitute for Gakpo’s other two celebs after scoring against West Ham (Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

His all-around performance last night showed why he was repeatedly picked to lead the line before Nunez was signed last summer. He’s quick, he’s strong, he holds the ball and plays smart. He is also adept at destroying opponents with his work-rate off the ball. He is always on the move. He is the perfect substitute for Firmino.

“It was a new position for me, but it’s been good for me to grow as a player and I like it. Relaxing a bit is something I can do to become an extra man sometimes. I just have to find my spaces to help the midfielders and forwards as much as possible.

“The guys made me feel like I belonged here from the first minute. I’m very grateful for how they treated me at the start. Over time I’ve become more relaxed and confident. I feel At my house.

His 18th-minute goal was a beauty, snatching the pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold and taking two touches to steady himself before unleashing an unstoppable low drive. The technique was exquisite and a sign of their growing faith.

Gakpo was at the center of everything that made Liverpool great in the game, creating a focal point and then powering Jota and Salah to either side of him. “Cody was brilliant from the moment he walked through the door,” enthused captain Jordan Henderson.

“It was a tough time for us as a team, but he was really the one who showed his performance very consistently. He is an exceptional player. He made a big difference for us in games. He wants to learn and he works so hard. May he go on like this for a long time. »

As Gakpo left the London stadium late to a standing ovation, Liverpool were in control thanks to Joel Matip’s header from Robertson’s corner – the centre-back’s first Premier League goal in 11 months.

The Dutchman was replaced by Nunez, who had to settle for a cameo for the fifth time in six games. Nunez has provided the much higher transfer fee of the two but it is Gakpo who really thrives at Anfield and enjoys higher bills.

Both are 23, but Gakpo, who is seven weeks older than the Uruguayan, is the more refined and composed player. There’s so much goodwill among fans for Nunez because the potential for him is huge, but Klopp’s recent comments about him being a “long-term project” are telling. The language barrier is an issue that needs to be resolved. The same goes for Nunez’s instinct to run after defenders when Liverpool often ask their centre-forward to drop off and help keep possession. The period of adjustment continues for Nunez, who can look back on a respectable comeback of 15 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions in his debut season. He’s still so raw.

Even in the final stages last night, Gakpo’s absence was clearly felt as the ball didn’t go forward and his heart was in his throat when requests for handball against Thiago were rejected. Victory in East London puts Liverpool back in the top six and they fall six points off their Champions League place.

“It was important. We needed this win to put pressure on the teams above us,” added Gakpo. “We stayed calm after falling behind and fought hard. We’re on the right path”.

Also.. 

Liverpool are sending a delegation this week to speak to a ‘special’ player they really want to sign him

Liverpool are seeking a second round of talks with Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.
It has been widely reported that the Reds have already met Gravenberch as they try to link a summer move. And now, according to Sport BILD, Liverpool have once again turned to the Dutch midfielder.

They allege a ‘delegation’ from Liverpool have ‘sought’ talks with Gravenberch in recent days. A meeting has reportedly been arranged, which appears to be taking place in the Netherlands in the near future. Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Although they personally contacted the player, the Reds have reportedly not contacted Bayern directly.

There may also be good reasons for this. According to BILD, the German champion has no desire to sell the 20-year-old.

We should see if this agreement will materialize in the coming weeks. Liverpool are apparently trying to complete their summer deal early in the window. If Bayern keep pushing, you can see the Reds getting the message and moving on to other goals. They have certainly designed options to fall back on.

However, Liverpool appear to have turned their heads at Gravenberch. If his club had the idea to let him go, it should be easy for him to find an agreement, at least on his side.

Then there is the issue of fees. Liverpool were reported to be attempting to sign Gravenberch for around £25m. Given Bayern’s current stance on a sale, it now seems entirely impossible.

Instead, the Reds will likely have to pay a hefty premium on top of the £20m the Monaco side paid for him 12 months ago.

If it was an amount between 40 and 50 million euros, Liverpool probably wouldn’t consider it a bad deal. Gravenberch is a potentially ‘special’ player, despite his problems in the Bundesliga. Fingers crossed, meetings are running smoothly and things are moving forward.