Michail Antonio has claimed that Cody Gakpo’s goal against Everton last night will be ‘massive’ for the Liverpool star’s confidence.
Gakpo finally hit the back of the net after six games without a goal for his new club. Given the size of the game and the significance of the three points, West Ham United’s Antonio told PLP that the importance of the 23-year-old getting off the mark shouldn’t be understated.
“It’s massive, it’s massive,” he said. “Obviously joining the Premier League, the Premier League’s difficult, the pace of it, the physicality of it. To come into a team who’s struggling and try and pick up and go straight into it is difficult. Some people take a couple of years to get into it. So, getting his first goal as a striker will build that confidence and hopefully he can go on a run now.”
Here’s to hoping, Michail. Despite his drought and the Reds’ awful results, Gakpo hasn’t appeared to let his head go down. Nevertheless, you could see how buoyed he was in the aftermath of breaking his duck. Make no mistake there’s much, much more to come from Cody.
Gakpo gives Liverpool lift off
There were three Liverpool players who could have really done with a goal last night. Thankfully, two of them did end up beating Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.
For the third – Darwin Nunez – the wait for a Premier League goal stretches past three months. But the Uruguayan can still take heart from his display in the derby. His assist for Mohamed Salah’s opener was a crucial contribution and should give him confidence heading into a huge part of the season.
Gakpo was probably the man most in need of seeing his name on the scoresheet, though.
With Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino making their returns last night, there is suddenly huge competition in the forward line.
Had he failed to impose himself again last night, Gakpo would likely have found himself out of the side for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.
Instead, the £35m man should now get the chance to go again. After a well-taken goal and an all-round impressive display, his emergence means Jota and Firmino can be eased back into action.
It has been a difficult time for both Gakpo and Liverpool since his mid-season arrival from PSV Eindhoven.
Where the team are concerned there have been a few false dawns this season. But last night had the feeling of being a turning point in Liverpool and their flying Dutchman’s fortunes. Let’s hope so, anyway.