How Can Arne Slot Maximise Cody Gakpo’s Potential Following a Successful Euro 2024 Campaign?
Cody Gakpo earned a move to Liverpool off the back of his impressive performances during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and he hit the ground running after the winter break. The flying Dutchman had a so-so campaign last season, with Klopp seemingly unable to find the perfect position for his talented and versatile forward.
With the legendary German stepping down and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot taking the reins, Liverpool fans have been increasingly keen to find out whether the new manager can find the right recipe to allow Gakpo to make good on his undoubted potential.
One of the main things to establish is his best position. His height makes Gakpo well suited to a classic striker role, although the player has repeatedly stated his preference to play on the left. With Luis Diaz the current first choice here, Slot has some decisions to make. Keep reading for a look at how Slot could maximise Gakpo’s potential heading into the new season.
Cody Gakpo at Liverpool: the Story So Far
One of the best ways to understand how Slot could maximise Gakpo’s impact during the 2024/2025 season is by looking back at his Liverpool career so far. He signed for the Reds from PSV during the 2022 winter transfer window, after helping the Netherlands reach the quarter-finals.
Gakpo’s importance to the Oranje during the tournament is difficult to overstate. The marauding left winger scored three goals to power his team towards the knockout stages—with his pace, football intelligence, and razor-sharp finishing being particularly commendable.
It’s never easy coming to a new team halfway through the season, but Gakpo also showed his versatility by slotting straight into Jurgen Klopp’s, at the time, struggling side. He was an instant lift, finishing with seven goals and three assists in 21 appearances. Gakpo’s consistency also made him an instant first choice—he played every game between his debut and the end of the season.
The foundations were there for the Dutchman to kick on, but the competition for places, alongside a dip in form, saw Gakpo lose his place in the pecking order. Nevertheless, he finished Klopp’s last season strongly, laying the groundwork for a much improved showing for 2024/2025.
Gakpo at Euro 2024 Round-up
Gakpo seemingly loves playing for his country as the inferior form of the previous season didn’t manifest itself whatsoever at Euro 2024. The winger was back to his best, cutting in from the left and drawing the plaudits with some sensational performances, that is, until the Netherlands were dumped out by England in the semi-finals.
"He's been impressive and I can only hope for him that he can continue doing so in the upcoming games"
New Liverpool Arne Slot boss praises Cody Gakpo for his performances at Euro 2024 pic.twitter.com/6aR53wItnK
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 5, 2024
Gakpo, once again, finished a major international tournament with three goals, showcasing improved composure, decision-making, and finishing. Slot will be taking notes as this is the kind of Cody Gakpo he could really use during his debut season as Liverpool manager.
The Dutch Connection: Where Does Gakpo Fit With Slot’s Tactics?
Fans have so far been treated to a slightly different system than Klopp, with Slot favouring a more patient and possession-filled strategy rather than the gung-ho gegenpressing of his predecessor. If anything, this may suit Gakpo even more as pace and chaos were never part of his game plan.
Sports bettors will be looking particularly keenly. Bookmakers nowadays offer odds on various specific aspects, from goals to pass completion and even yards covered per game. Bettors have access to so much data nowadays, and the best ones know that astute analysis can result in more accurate predictions. Whether or not Gakpo has a better season will be one of the main areas to look out for.
Key Areas for Gakpo to Concentrate On
While the onus is on Slot to find the best position for Gakpo, true improvements are only possible with enough determination from the player. The Dutchman must work on his consistency over 90 minutes as there have been too many times over the past seasons when he has gone missing for long periods.
Another area Gakpo could work on is pace. He’s definitely not the slowest, but compared to the likes of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, he could be faster.
How Will Liverpool Fare Under Slot?
Guessing how Liverpool will fare under Slot is a tricky one, especially as the manager is still quite young. Looking at how the team lined up in preseason can offer a vital clue—the early signs look very positive.
The post How Can Arne Slot Maximise Cody Gakpo’s Potential Following a Successful Euro 2024 Campaign? appeared first on Friends Of Liverpool.