Former Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has criticized Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for using Cody Gakpo as a striker.
The Dutch striker joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven for €50m, including bonuses, in January this year. He struggled to impress in his first few games but recently scored his first goal for the club. Gakpo scored his second goal in a 2-0 Premier League win over Everton on 13 February.
Coach Klopp has often used the Dutchman as a striker with Darwin Núñez on the left and Mohamed Salah on the right. However, Gakpo’s compatriot Van der Vaart believes that he is not the right position for the striker.
Speaking at Ladbrokes, he said:
“The biggest surprise for me was not that Liverpool bought Cody Gakpo last month. Look, if you have the kind of tournament he did in Qatar., you are going to attract the interest of many of the best clubs.
“But, for me, they have signed a player who has played his entire career as a left-back, and in the national team he has played 10, as a second striker… and now he plays as a striker? He’s not a striker!”
Back to front in a flash ⚡ A memorable first Reds goal for Cody Gakpo ❤️ https://t.co/Qr81i8soE8
Van der Vaart pointed to Gakpo’s strengths and stated that he is better suited to play on the left flank. He said:
“Cody needs space to play, he needs to run with the ball, that’s where he’s most dangerous. That’s the biggest problem he has at Liverpool, why do they play him as number nine? He’s a left winger who can cut inside and cause danger there.”
Gakpo has scored one goal in seven games for Liverpool. Prior to his signing last month, he had registered 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 appearances for PSV Eindhoven in the first half of the 2022-23 season.
Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo on his preferred position
Sky Sports also recently asked Cody Gakpo about his preferred playing position. The Dutch international replied:
“Obviously I played a few games at center and more as a false nine to get into the build up, try to get into the build up and go from there. It’s another role I’m used to.” , but it is good for me to improve my position and continue working”.
Gakpo is likely to have more competition for his place now that Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota return to action for Liverpool. Luis Diaz will also be back soon.
The Reds are ninth in the Premier League table and will face Newcastle United on Saturday 18 February.