Cody Gakpo has been previewing the start of the 2024/25 campaign and has revealed where Arne Slot sees him as a player.
Liverpool’s opening Premier League game against newly promoted Ipswich Town is rapidly approaching, with kick-off scheduled 12:30pm BST this coming Saturday at Portman Road Stadium.
Gakpo is coming off the back of an excellent Euro 2024 with the Netherlands, having put a Player of the Tournament performance and carrying his nation on his back at times.
Playing in his more natural position as a left winger, Gakpo was one of the joint top scorers of the tournament, netting 3 goals and providing an assist.
His performances helped guide the Netherlands to the semi-finals where they lost out to eventual runners-up England, reaffirming his quality at the highest level of competition.
In somewhat of a contrast, his 2023/24 season at Liverpool was a mixed bag, largely defined by his almost forced versatility on the pitch and fluctuating form.
Jurgen Klopp deployed the 25-year-old in several roles, including as a winger, false nine, and even in deeper attacking midfield positions. While this flexibility showcased his adaptability, it also hindered his consistency.
Gakpo struggled to find his best form in part due to these positional changes, resulting in a season where his performances often stuttered.
Some of the criticism of Gakpo peaked after Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Manchester United last season.
But it seems that Arne Slot may have a different view on how Cody Gakpo will be utilized
What did Cody Gakpo say about Arne Slot?
Playing in his more natural role, Gakpo looked rejuvenated, combining his pace, dribbling ability, and sharp finishing to great effect.
His form at Euro 2024 provided a blueprint for how Liverpool might best utilize him moving forward.
And it seems Slot is using that blueprint.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Cody Gakpo revealed his conversations with Arne Slot:
“Yeah, I spoke to him and obviously he sees me as a left winger. That’s how I think he sees me,” Gakpo said.
“We have a lot of players in the front line and you know the season is long and there can be some injuries in every position.”
“So he said, ‘You’re playing there but maybe I need you in another position, you can play there as well. Just be ready.'”
“For me, I’m here and I try to play the best football I can and help the club as much as I can with my qualities.”
He also spoke about his desire to carry on the form he showed at Euro 2024 to the new club season with Liverpool:
“I’m very confident. It was a good Euros for me [but] unfortunately we lost to England. It was a good one for us as a country as well, even though we could do better maybe.”
“I’m very happy to be back, full of confidence and I need to keep performing like that here as well.”
Gakpo was involved in the pre-season friendly against Las Palmas this past Sunday, suggesting he is in contention for Ipswich Town.
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