After a defeat, social media is not the type of place to go searching for hope and optimism. A defeat has the ability to invoke the worst kind of negativity from a section of the club’s fanbase. Players can very quickly turn from hero to zero and become scapegoats.
Since Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United, there has definitely been a bit of an overreaction by some. This was Liverpool’s only second defeat in all competitions since the beginning of the year. It was a game that in all fairness Liverpool should have won. They will only have themselves to blame.
However, it was also a game that Manchester United were desperate to win. Unlike Liverpool, United have nothing else left to play for other than the FA Cup. Elimination would have meant they had nothing more to look forward to from now until the end of the season. That desperation showed in the end, with United determined to get a result.
In this context, given how Liverpool have bigger fish to fry, there is no need to fret about the defeat. There is also no need to bring players under unnecessary scrutiny. Including Cody Gakpo, who has been the subject of a lot of unwarranted criticism. Including by Jamie Carragher.
What Jamie Carragher said about Cody Gakpo
Gakpo was introduced in the 77th minute against Manchester United at a time when the tide was turning in the home side’s favour. The Netherlands international didn’t have the best of times on the pitch. Admittedly, he lost possession two times, which was the joint highest amount in the game. However he also won more duels (4) than Mohamed Salah (2).
And some of the criticism has definitely been unwarranted. Including what Jamie Carragher said about Gakpo on his social media account. Taking to X, Carragher tweeted that Gakpo plays he is in ‘slow motion.’
This is a very reactionary statement about a player who has in truth performed at a relatively high level all season and has 18 goal contributions in 42 matches (just 26 starts) for Liverpool. And who has proven time and time again he can be rapid in acceleration.
Why Jamie Carragher is wrong about Cody Gakpo
Carragher’s statement is particularly ironic because Gakpo is in fact one of Liverpool’s fastest players. The Dutchman admitted himself that he is now ranked in fourth place for top speed recorded recently. At the last European Championships, Gakpo was also clocked the fourth fastest top speed (UEFA) at the entire tournament.
He is a player who is known to be rapid and has shown it not just at Liverpool but throughout his career. For Carragher to suggest that he plays in slow motion is completely wrong. In reality, Gakpo is one of the fastest players at the club, and he is also an incredibly valuable player for the Reds, who was recently equalling Victor Osimhen’s return this season.
Signed for just £35m (The Guardian) Gakpo has become an astute investment. He has rarely missed a game due to injury, and has always stepped up when needed. As a fourth and fifth choice back-up forward, Liverpool could not have found better value for money than Gakpo. He is a brilliant option to have, so it’s time to go easy on him.
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