Liverpool fans had a lot to say about Cody Gakpo while watching their team in action against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup.
After what has been a torrid Premier League season, the FA Cup was a chance to bring some much-needed joy back to Anfield.
Arne Slot made a few changes versus Brighton, most notably dropping Hugo Ekitike to the bench and starting Federico Chiesa.
Milos Kerkez also returned at left-back after Andy Robertson was praised in midweek against Sunderland.
Team news is IN! Thoughts on a rare start for Fede?
What's going on with the goalies as well…
Liverpool beat Barnsley in the last round, while Brighton knocked out Manchester United, so a tough test was expected.
Liverpool fans unhappy with Cody Gakpo vs Brighton
The Reds started the fixture well and a couple of players like Florian Wirtz and Kerkez looked sharp.
However, fans were not happy with what they saw from Cody Gakpo during the fixture.
The Dutchman blocked a shot from Kerkez in the first half, and his overall display has drawn the ire of supporters, with some of the reaction displayed below.
- “Gakpo is so stupid not a single purpose to any of his actions he just runs aimlessly.”
- “It’s sacrilege that Gakpo continues to be a starter in every game for Liverpool”
- “I might be a better footballer than Gakpo??”
- “Gakpo can’t even press a man properly. Of what use is this guy to the club? Really and truly? What’s he ever do ?!?”
- “Everything Gakpo does annoys me. I genuinely hate feeling like this about a Liverpool player but he literally offers nothing.”
- “I’d give Gakpo away for free.”
How wrong was Alan Pardew about Milos Kerkez? 😅
Cody Gakpo connection with Milos Kerkez a problem
Even before Saturday night, Gakpo’s lack of connection with Liverpool’s main left-back this season was obvious.
Kerkez explained his improvement at the back end of 2025, citing his link-up with Wirtz, who was playing off the left while the former PSV winger was injured.
He said: “At the moment, there’s a good connection between me and Flo [Wirtz]. We’re playing well and I hope it keeps going.
“I like [the change in shape] because I have more freedom with Flo. We are moving, passing and playing a lot of one-twos. I felt like I was in the opposition box a lot more and crossing.”
However, since Gakpo’s return to the side, we have once again seen a lack of synergy on the left-hand side.
But it has become clear that as long as the winger is fit, Slot will keep selecting him regardless of how he performs.
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