Cody Gakpo has reflected on his Liverpool debut this evening, labelling the atmosphere at Anfield as ‘really great.’
The 23-year-old looked lively during his first minutes in a Liverpool shirt, lasting 84 minutes of the FA Cup third-round tie. And speaking to LFCTV after the game, Gakpo said he was relatively happy with his own display.
“Really great atmosphere for my [first] home game,” he said. “I think I showed some good moments and some sloppy moments. So I can still improve on that point, keep working hard and try to help the team as much as I can.”
Asked for his thoughts on Darwin Nunez’s brilliant goal for Liverpool, the Dutch forward was equally enthusiastic.
“Great cross and a great finish, I think with the left in the far corner. Really great goal,” he gushed.
So, not quite the explosive debut we were all hoping for from Cody. But a solid and promising one nonetheless. Hopefully he can go from strength to strength as he settles in.
Gakpo off and running at Liverpool
Right from the start of tonight’s game, Gakpo looked desperate to make an impact. But in truth, his best period of the game was perhaps the opening 10 minutes or so.
He showed lovely footwork to collect a Mohamed Salah lay-off early on, opening up a chance to shoot on his left foot. Unfortunately the shot was straight down the ‘keepers throat, but it was a sign of his versatility playing off either foot.
From there on in Gakpo threatened only in flashes. Unable to fully get into the game as Liverpool laboured, he looked a little unsure of what was being expected of him.
Playing his first game for a new club, that’s completely understandable, and there were some signs of an understanding with Andy Robertson.
Hopefully those bonds can be developed as Liverpool have a full week before their next game.
By the time that game comes around next Saturday at Brighton, Gakpo will have had a decent amount of sessions under his belt. With minutes now in his legs, he’ll expect to start again at the Amex. After a taster of his new club this evening, fingers crossed he gets up and running with a goal soon enough.
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