Fabinho has claimed that Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is displaying exactly why he was brought to Anfield in January.
Gakpo has been a slow burner since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in the New Year. But having now hit six goals in 15 Premier League games for the Reds, the 23-year-old is starting to show what he’s all about.
His latest effort – a long-ranger to bring Liverpool level against West Ham United – was perhaps his best goal yet. And speaking to liverpoolfc.com about his newest teammate, Fabinho admitted that he’s pleased to see Gakpo shining.
“Cody is playing really well in the moment,” said the Brazilian. “I think in the beginning, it’s not really easy to adapt to a new team, a new system, a new way to play. It’s normal sometimes in the beginning that things don’t work the way everybody expects.
“But right now he’s really showing his quality, he’s really showing why Liverpool bought him. It’s really good for us because we really need him at the highest level at the moment. He can drop, he can receive the ball, he can turn, he can pass, he can score. It’s really good to have him at his best.”
Gakpo turning into a success story
You really do have to tip your hat to Gakpo. Arriving at the club during one of the worst runs for a number of years, you could have forgiven him for running to hide. A difficult first couple of months only fed the notion that he was the wrong man at the wrong time.
Since then, the Dutchman has grown and grown in stature, though. With Jurgen Klopp’s stellar cast of attackers all fit and available (barring Bobby Firmino), it’s Gakpo that the manager keeps on turning to. And with good reason.
It isn’t just the quality of the former PSV man’s goals, he’s an all-round lovely, lovely footballer. Able to take the ball on the turn and drive Liverpool up the pitch, you can see why Pep Lijnders reportedly pushed so hard to bring him in.
Having won the last three games on the bounce, there is suddenly excitement over what Liverpool will do next season. Gakpo is a big part of that.
With six months of Premier League football and a full pre-season under his belt, he’s going to be a problem for the division next term. Fabinho can see it, and Reds supporters can too.
After some unfair early judgement, Gakpo is showing himself to be another smart bit of business by Liverpool. Keep it up, Cody!
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