Cody Gakpo deserves to stay in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool starting XI v Everton
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp should consider starting Cody Gakpo in the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Gakpo has been in and out of the Reds’ starting line-up this term but has featured from the first whistle in the club’s last two games against Atalanta and Fulham – which Liverpool won 1-0 and 3-1, respectively.
The Dutchman was particularly impressive in the Premier League victory over the Cottagers and has staked his claim for a starting spot against rivals Everton at Goodison Park.
Can Cody Gakpo unlock Everton for Liverpool?
Gakpo registered an assist in the win over Marco Silva’s men at Craven Cottage, setting up Diogo Jota for the third and final goal – but he may well feel unfortunate not to have ended up on the scoresheet himself.
The forward registered a 100% shooting accuracy in that contest, hitting the target with all three of his shots that were not blocked – which do not count towards that total [FotMob].
Those three efforts on Bernd Leno’s goal boasted a cumulative xGOT (expected goals on target) value of 0.88 – suggesting that, on another day, Gakpo would likely have seen one of those strikes hit the back of the net rather than the goalkeeper’s gloves.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old demonstrated his ability to unbalance defenders, succeeding with three of his four attempted dribbles.
However, as is the case with any forward playing under Klopp, Gakpo’s contributions off the ball are as important as those on it.
Against Fulham, the versatile attacker excelled in this area as well, making 10 recoveries, five defensive actions and three interceptions.
While Darwin Nunez’s unique brand of chaotic movement has generally seen him preferred to Gakpo by Klopp, Sean Dyche’s Toffees are unlikely to leave much space in behind and a more technically secure striker could prove a better tactical pick for this game.
Gakpo’s combination of grit and guile could be just what Liverpool need to unlock what could prove to be a stubborn Everton defence at Goodison Park.
In other Liverpool news, a new £50million-plus kit deal with Adidas is set to be announced.
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