Liverpool midfielder James Milner has hailed praise on attacker Cody Gakpo, for the way he has settled in and been able to adapt at Anfield.
Speaking with LFCTV after the Reds’ exit from the Champions League last night, the 37-year-old was impressed with the Dutchman’s ability to excel in a new position against Real Madrid.
“Yeah, he’s a good player,” said Milner.
“Defensively, he was dropping in a bit deeper but when we had it [the ball], we wanted him to be in a similar position to what he’s been playing – and [with] me and Fabi[nho] dropping in behind.
“But Cody is a quality player; he has been great since he’s been here, and he’ll only get better. It’s great he’s shown us he can play in different positions.”
Milner full of praise for Gakpo
Having been utilised on the left wing whilst playing for PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo has had to adjust since arriving on Merseyside.
With Roberto Firmino leaving the club at the end of the season, the 23-year-old has been tasked with playing as a centre-forward – in the same way the Brazilian has done for years in Jurgen Klopp’s false nine.
Whilst it wasn’t initially the easiest transition with Liverpool struggling all over the pitch, the Netherlands international has lately come into his own.
He has demonstrated he has the skillset needed to take the reins from Firmino, as his brilliant retention of the ball has recently become apparent.
Against Madrid last night, Gakpo played deeper – behind Diogo Jota. Linking up well with the midfield, the player has shown that he is more than capable of playing anywhere across the front-line.
This will be incredibly useful for Klopp, as the same goes for Darwin Nunez – who could easily interchange with Gakpo.