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Cody Gakpo’s Rise Under Arne Slot: A Transformative Season at Liverpool

Liverpool, a club renowned for its vibrant attacking football, has witnessed a notable transformation in Cody Gakpo this season under the stewardship of manager Arne Slot. Former Reds striker Peter Crouch has recently highlighted Gakpo’s enhanced performances, making him a standout figure in the team’s tactical evolution.

Impact of Arne Slot’s Management

Since Arne Slot took over the reins at Liverpool, a significant shift has been seen in Gakpo’s deployment on the field. Previously tried in various roles under Jurgen Klopp, including as a central forward and midfielder, Gakpo’s talents were not fully utilised. Last season he netted 16 goals and provided six assists, an impressive tally, yet it seemed there was more to unlock from the Dutch forward.

Photo: IMAGO

This season, Slot’s strategy to position Gakpo almost exclusively on the left wing has paid dividends. With 15 goals and five assists and still a good portion of the season left, his statistics are already nearing last year’s totals. The precise positioning has allowed Gakpo to capitalise on his strengths, showcasing a level of consistency and threat that was only sporadically visible before.

Gakpo’s Mastery from the Left

Peter Crouch, speaking on TNT Sports, praised Gakpo’s performance from the left-hand side: “He’s so good from the left-hand-side. Diaz has quite often played out on the left with Gakpo playing through the middle and obviously this season Arne Slot has swapped them, and just looks so much better.”

Crouch continued, emphasizing the importance of Gakpo’s role, “Coming off the left in the summer for the Netherlands he was fantastic, and you need that kind of Gakpo week-in week-out at Liverpool, and that’s what we’re seeing this season, it’s been a breath of fresh air, he’s looking incredibly sharp.”

The Potential for World-Class Status

At 25, Cody Gakpo is at an age where, traditionally, footballers enter their prime years. Liverpool’s history under different managers—like Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp—has been decorated with players who blossomed into global stars. Players such as Luis Suárez, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, and more recently, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, all peaked during their stints with the club.

Photo: IMAGO

Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s owners, have consistently demonstrated acumen in identifying and nurturing talents before they reach the zenith of their careers. Gakpo appears to be the latest in this lineage of exceptional talents. While he owes part of his development to Klopp, who brought him to Liverpool, it is under Slot’s guidance that he is truly flourishing.

Gratitude Towards Klopp and Slot

Despite the managerial change, Gakpo’s gratitude towards both Klopp, for bringing him to the club, and Slot, for refining his role and allowing him to excel, is profound. This dynamic highlights the seamless transition and adaptability within the team, allowing players to thrive under varied tactical philosophies.

Liverpool continues to benefit from a strategy that not only focuses on winning but also on developing world-class talents capable of dominating on the international stage. Cody Gakpo’s current trajectory suggests he is well on his way to becoming one of football’s premier players, symbolising Liverpool’s enduring legacy of crafting footballing excellence.

In summary, the transformation seen in Gakpo under Slot’s targeted guidance is a testament to the effective management and strategic vision at Liverpool, ensuring the club remains at the forefront of both domestic and European football.