Cody Gakpo Euro 2024 performances gives Arne Slot Liverpool selection dilemma
Arne Slot will have a decision to make at Liverpool due to Cody Gakpo’s Euro 2024 performances for the Netherlands.
Gakpo has been in sensational form at Euro 2024, scoring twice in the group stage as the Netherlands qualified for the knockouts.
The 25-year-old received intense criticism last season with former Red Jamie Carragher describing him as playing in “slow motion” [X, 17 March].
A return to his more natural position on the left-wing has seen Gakpo re-discover the form that saw Liverpool pay an initial £35million for the forward [Sky Sports, 29 December].
Cody Gakpo could force Luis Diaz transfer decision
It is no secret that Barcelona are huge admirers of Luis Diaz.
Luis Diaz senior, has spoken publicly multiple times on his son’s desire to make the move to Spain [Metro, 27 March].
While he also endured an underwhelming campaign last season, there is plenty that see a future for the Colombian at Anfield.
But the resurgence of Gakpo could make a decision on Diaz’s future much more difficult.
Both forwards registered eight goals and five assists in the Premier League last season as per Sofascore – Gakpo’s outperforming his expected assists of 2.69.
Gakpo matched this feat in 15 fewer starts.
Diaz’s overall play was exceptional at times, particularly in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City at Anfield in March.
The game also highlighted the 27-year-old’s lack of goal threat as he missed several big chances to win Liverpool the game.
Throughout the season he missed 13 big chances, massively underperformed with 11.88 xG and only recorded a nine per cent goal conversion rate.
Prior to his move from PSV, Gakpo played predominantly on the left-wing for the Dutch club.
During that time, he played 177 matches and scored 75 goals with 56 assists – totaling 131 goal contributions [Transfermarkt].
Compared to 41 goals and 19 assists in 125 appearances for Porto with Diaz, there is no doubt who the more prolific attacker is.
A move to Barcelona is a possibility with the Catalan club to fund the move with the sale of Raphinha [Yahoo, June 25].
Richard Hughes and Slot will be working hard on new recruits and should they fund a summer rebuild by selling Diaz, they have a ready made replacement with Gakpo.
In other Liverpool news, Wataru Endo decision leaves Liverpool path free for Stefan Bajcetic.
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