Cody Gakpo called 'easy target' as Liverpool in mix for Bradley Barcola transfer

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Cody Gakpo was a regular for Liverpool last season, but the Dutchman came under fire from some supporters, who were frustrated by his performances on the left wingCody Gakpo faced criticism last season(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo should retain his place at the club, despite the breakthrough of Rio Ngumoha and the ongoing interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.That's according to former Reds star Jason McAteer, who believes the Dutchman unfairly became a scapegoat among supporters following last season's letdown. I think Cody Gakpo is a really hard-working individual who always tries his best for the team."He will nick a goal.

He can be predictable, he can drop in and out of games. At times he can be frustrating but listen, that's the life of a winger in the Premier League.Bradley Barcola is being linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)"Cody seems to relish playing for his country.

I played with players who seemed to really enjoy going away on international duty."They felt more comfortable and you'd get better performances, or it looked that way."At a time when the club wasn't doing well, and people wanted to point fingers, it was easy to point one at Cody because he's not going to throw his arms up, he's not gonna kick a fuss up, he's not gonna go to the newspapers, he's not gonna have a go at the crowd. I felt he was an easy target."Gakpo made the move to Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.He now faces stiffening competition from emerging talent Ngumoha, while his position could be further threatened by Liverpool's ongoing pursuit of French international Barcola, who similarly favors operating on the left flank."He was under pressure last season from Rio," McAteer continued."Everyone wanted to see a bit more of the exciting, flair, guile player.