Cody Gakpo has proven why he is better than Luis Diaz at Liverpool already this season - opinion

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Cody Gakpo is Liverpool’s first-choice left winger and has shown why he is a great asset in that position.It has not been an easy start to the season for the Reds after their unbeaten run was followed by a three-game losing streak before the international break, as fans have reflected on the performances so far this season.But one player who has started consistently for Arne Slot’s side this season and has had mixed fanfare is Gakpo, who has started almost every game in that left-wing position.Before the break began, the Dutchman made his fourth goal contribution of the season with his strike against Chelsea in the most recent 2-1 defeat.While the 26-year-old has not been as electric as he was last season, he has still brought consistency of form.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesCody Gakpo better than Luis Diaz in specific areas this seasonThere have been complaints by many Liverpool fans that their squad is missing the influence of Luis Diaz, who left the club for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.It may be true that there feels like a lack of depth on the left-hand side of the attack, but Diaz did want to leave last season and was not going to be convinced to stay.READ MORE: Liverpool can use secret weapon to bring £75m Luis Diaz replacement to Anfield next summerHowever, it seems fans may be being unfair towards Gakpo this season because of the overall poor performances of the team this season, given that he has been much better than the Colombian in four areas.According to statistics provided by Sam McGuire via Gradient, Gakpo’s ball-carrying statistics have put him well above average in each category.His overall carrying is 90.2, which puts him in the elite category over his counterparts, and all of his other attributes, including dribbling and tackle resistance, are all over 80.Compare that with Diaz in the Bundesliga, and he has only hit over 80 in his overall ball carrying, averaging less than 80 in the other categories.What it does present is that Liverpool have been doing so poorly as a team this season in bringing the ball forward and being strong on it, Gakpo has been exemplary so far this season.It is just one of the reasons why he starts so often and shows he is an integral part of the attack, even when they are not up to their usual standards.Cody Gakpo’s international duty form is an incredible sign for LiverpoolWhat he has done on his first game of the international break is show exactly the quality he possesses as he scored two penalties and assisted one goal in a 4-0 win over Malta for the Netherlands.His overall play was brilliant as he won the majority of his duels and slotted five key passes across the park for his team.This form will have to translate when he makes his return to Anfield next week against Manchester United.He has definitely shown fans his quality, but from now on, he will have to continue to prove to supporters why he deserves a start in every game.