New Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo simply isn’t quick enough to become a ‘top’ player at Anfield.
That’s the view of Peterborough United chairman and Liverpool fan Darragh MaAnthony. Speaking on his The Hard Truth podcast, MacAnthony said he wasn’t sure about what he’d seen from Gakpo so far.
“I don’t want to call Gakpo a bad signing so early but I’ve watched him for four games and I’m like hmmm yeah,” said the chairman.
“You can’t judge too early. Give him another four or five games, maybe. I’m not sure he’s top, top class. I hope that comes back to bite me. But I don’t think he’s quick enough.”
Gakpo still figuring things out at Liverpool
Unfortunately, a lot of fans are likely feeling the same way as MacAnthony about Gakpo right now. The Dutchman has hardly set the world alight in his early outings.
But let’s remember the situation here – Liverpool are not playing well. In fact, Liverpool are playing far worse than they have at near-enough any point in the last seven years.
That’s a difficult environment for any player to come into. Add in the fact that half the regular forward line are currently injured, and maybe too much is being expected from Gakpo.
It’s worth pointing out that, although expectations were raised by his World Cup goals, this is a player coming from a far weaker league.
Gakpo has shone in the Eredivisie for the last few seasons. But it’s a huge step up to the Premier League.
When everyone is fit, it’s likely that the 23-year-old isn’t in Liverpool’s strongest side. Not yet, anyway. That’s reflected in the £35m price, and once everyone’s fit and available, he’ll surely be given the necessary time to bed in.
Right now though, that isn’t helping Liverpool. Gakpo needs to get up to speed quickly. With the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez also struggling to find the net, there’s an onus on him to get goals.
He will, we’re sure of that. But it may take time. On early viewings, Gakpo looks much more like a player who wants the ball into feet than one who’s prepared to run in behind. As Liverpool fans get used to what to expect from the Netherlands international, perspectives will hopefully change. Keep at it, Cody!
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