Getting probably the most out of Cody Gakpo may very well be one of the vital vital jobs dealing with Arne Slot at Liverpool, and Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has defined why.
With three objectives in 4 video games to date, Gakpo is amongst these main the pack in the case of the Golden Boot award at this summer time’s Euros.
Germany’s Jamal Musiala is the one participant with as many objectives whose nation continues to be within the match, with Georges Mikautadze’s Georgia and Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz now knocked out.
The important thing to unleashing Gakpo has been fielding him within the position that noticed him earn his £37 million transfer to Liverpool within the first place: as a left winger.
“First, his place is on the left facet,” Koeman informed reporters after the Netherlands beat Romania 3-0 within the final 16.
“As a result of he’s actually harmful if he comes one-against-one with the appropriate full-back. Inside, exterior, he has his qualities, he’s sturdy.”
The supervisor added: “He’s taking part in at an important stage at this match.
“He’s possibly the [most] vital participant till now, and I hope that the remaining can come to that stage.”
Late on within the victory over Romania, Gakpo switched roles with Memphis Depay, taking on his duties as a centre-forward, with Koeman admitting he was “slightly bit drained.”
“Sure, he can play as a striker, however he has proven immediately that he’s most harmful from the left facet,” he continued.
After taking part in largely as a striker in his season-and-a-half beneath Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – with solely 14 video games as a left winger – Gakpo is predicted to be restored to his pure position beneath Slot.
That’s not assured, after all, with the brand new head coach but to even work together with his squad – not to mention Gakpo, who will be a part of pre-season later than Friday’s begin date.
However his performances towards the likes of Poland, Austria and Romania to date have proven that Koeman has discovered the important thing to coaxing probably the most constant type out of Liverpool’s No. 18.
