- Salah named Gakpo as a clever player and admires the way he thinks
- Salah gave the interview just before the 2024 Europa League quarter-final.
- The winger also highlighted the importance of Darwin Nunez at the time.
In 2024, Mohamed Salah named Cody Gakpo as one of the most underrated Liverpool players at the time.
Salah commented about how clever the Dutchman is, and despite the criticism from fans, his playstyle can be misunderstood. Salah will leave Liverpool this weekend and has been reflecting in recent interviews on players who helped build Liverpool’s success. This interview in the archives reveals Gakpo as a player who could be crucial going forward for Liverpool after Salah.
In the interview with AstroSuperSport, he said: “Cody doesn’t get credit because the fans, I don’t know if they really understand his game or not. But he is a very, very clever player. I admire the way he thinks; it’s very, very good. He is young and wants to learn; he asks a lot of questions.”
Gakpo and fan criticism
Gakpo has been a regular figure of blame this season, and as Salah references, has regularly been at the centre of fan criticism.
Gakpo is commonly referenced as Slot’s favourite, and fans will use him as a scapegoat when things aren’t working in the team.
The winger has had a difficult season, but it is important to remember that he was still Liverpool’s joint-second highest scorer in the Premier League this year and third highest assister.
While Gakpo hasn’t been at his best, he has still been an important part of what has allowed Liverpool to qualify for Champions League football.
Gakpo and Salah’s playstyle
Gakpo has a pretty distinct style as a left winger. This made his partnership and competition with Luis Diaz at the club very useful for Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot. With Diaz as direct competition, Gakpo was pushed to be at his best. Criticism this season has focused on his repetitive style, cutting in from the left-hand side. With the differences that Diaz offered, Klopp and Slot could vary things based on the opposition, and both could offer the best at what they did on the pitch.
Without the variance of bringing Diaz on for Gakpo or vice-versa, Gakpo’s continual plan has been found out by the opposition. When Rio Ngumoha came into the team this season, he offered something different to Gakpo. His more maverick style on the left has excited fans, but it has appeared that Slot continues to back Gakpo over the youngster.
Can Gakpo grow more in his role?
Slot backing Gakpo more than the fans would, should show that he offers something to the Liverpool system that other players in the squad. In recent weeks, this has come under criticism after statements from players like Mohamed Salah.
The key for Gakpo to get better and become a more important part of the Liverpool team will be the way he thinks that Salah praises. If he can continue to improve through his questioning and urge to get better, he could take a starring role at Anfield next season.
