Cody Gakpo has primarily come off the bench six times this season, highlighting the fierce competition in Liverpool’s formidable attacking lineup, which includes players like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz. Despite these challenges, Gakpo has shown promise during his appearances.
Mark Lawrenson said, “Gakpo has been unlucky at Liverpool but he was good at the Euros. There’s always been a question mark as to whether he’s good enough to play.”
Lawrenson points out the high standards set by Liverpool’s renowned front three—previously comprised of Mané, Salah, and Firmino—emphasizing the difficulties Gakpo faces in breaking into such an elite lineup.
Mark Lawrenson said, “Bearing in mind he walked into a front three which was the best in the world in terms of Mane, Salah, and Firmino. And then there’s Diaz who replaced Mane and Diaz has bided his time to show his class and has done so by working hard. You could never say Diaz doesn’t work hard enough. Now he’s got five or six goals and he’s playing out of his skin.”
Lawrenson elaborates on the challenges managers encounter in finding forwards and wide players capable of impactful contributions, praising players like Salah, Mané, and Diaz, who have set a benchmark for success.
Mark Lawrenson said, “As a manager myself I know how difficult it is to find centre forwards who score goals and run towards goal without the ball. Same with wide players. Loads want it to feet. Salah, Mane, and Diaz will do that and hopefully Gakpo will slot in eventually and show his class.”
Despite the intense competition within the squad, Lawrenson expresses confidence in Gakpo’s potential. He acknowledges Gakpo’s significant contributions and excellent performance over the summer as reasons for optimism.
Mark Lawrenson said, “He has made a difference, he has been excellent. With the summer he has had you’d think he’d be one of [the] first players on [the] manager’s list. He is hard done by, he’s been fantastic.”
