Cody Gakpo finally looks set for Liverpool chop as Arne Slot calls him out on Sunderland nightmare - opinion

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If there’s one Liverpool player who has arguably become the face of the team’s poor form this season it is Cody Gakpo.The Dutchman has perhaps not been the worst Reds’ player – and none of his teammates can better his tally of Premier League goals and assists – but he has frustrated fans beyond belief.Having spent the 2024/25 season rotating with Luis Diaz for the most part, Gakpo has assumed a much more regular starting role this time.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say Sadly, this has not led to an improvement, with the 26-year-old showing himself to be one-paced, predictable and detrimental to Liverpool winning football matches.Despite his sluggish displays, Slot has continued picking his countryman, much to the annoyance of many in the fanbase.

This was recognised on Wednesday as Slot hauled him off at the break.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool’s player ratings vs Sunderland as Reds steal a point despite lacklustre performanceAsked why he removed Gakpo and introduced Mohamed Salah at half-time, the Liverpool head coach admitted that he felt his No. “I felt in the first half Cody struggled to find that moment because it was hard for him to dominate the one-v-one or get crosses in.” What is the answer to the left side of Liverpool’s attack?

I changed it to Mo on the right side and then played with Florian Wirtz off the left.”Slot has to start Hugo EkitikeAlthough he has been a good player for Liverpool and is a serviceable squad option, Gakpo has proved beyond any doubt this season that he is not quite good enough to start regularly.The Netherlands international is far too one-dimensional. Slot has to find a way to get Ekitike and Isak starting regularly together and Gakpo’s poor form is the perfect chance to try that.It has been clear to most Liverpool fans for a while now that Gakpo should not continue to play week in week out for the Reds.