Cody Gakpo could be the one to replace Darwin Nunez as a striker for Liverpool. The Dutchman doesn’t particularly like the role.
Darwin Nunez looks set to miss Liverpool’s trip to Brighton this weekend. The Reds are already incredibly short up top – Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz and Roberto Firmino are all out – and things have gotten worse.
So what now? Jurgen Klopp doesn’t exactly have a lot of forwards to pick from and there actually aren’t any natural strikers available.
We think it could mean Cody Gakpo moves up top. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could then take the left-wing spot as he has in recent weeks. Mohamed Salah, of course, would play from the right.
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It’s a role Gakpo took up for the Netherlands at the World Cup, albeit in a different system. Louis van Gaal had his side in a 3-5-2 formation, as opposed to the 4-3-3 at Liverpool. Gakpo, then, wouldn’t have a strike partner.
But he did play very well at the tournament. The 23-year-old scored three times in five games, suggesting he’s actually a bit of a natural there. He certainly impressed us.
The main problem, however, is that he doesn’t really like the position.
Cody Gakpo could replace Darwin Nunez for Liverpool
This is what Gakpo had to say about playing as a striker last March, per FC Update:
“We have discussed this together [with Van Gaal]. ‘Central in the front’ is still a broad concept. I do have a clear preference, I prefer to play just behind the striker than in the striker. As ’10’ you can still look for the combination with the deepest man.”
He’s not thrilled about being an out-and-out striker, then, and doesn’t naturally lead the line. That’s in complete contrast to Nunez.
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However, it’s not in contrast to Firmino and Gakpo may find he’s a natural fit there. The Brazilian has been a False 9 for the Reds, vacating the centre-forward space to allow Salah and Sadio Mané to truly lead the line.
It’s a system that has worked wonders, allowing the wingers to shine and boosting the midfield by giving them an extra playmaker. Gakpo appears to want to be that. The role, after all, is like being a ’10’ without a player directly in front of you.
It remains to be seen if Klopp does opt for Gakpo against Brighton but there’s a good chance he will. And if he does, the ‘quality’ Dutchman, as Fabinho puts it, could find he’s a natural fit.
Source: rousingthekop.com
