Cody Gakpo labelled 'easy target' amid Liverpool's Bradley Barcola chase and Rio Ngumoha rise
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SportFootballCody GakpoLiverpool need reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season, but one ex-player thinks the Reds must hold onto Cody GakpoLiverpool forward Cody Gakpo should still have a future at the club, despite the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.That's the view of former Reds midfielder and wing-back Jason McAteer, who feels that the Dutch international became something of a scapegoat for supporters amid the disappointment of last season.Gakpo made 36 Premier League appearances for Arne Slot's side last season, scoring seven goals, but he came under strong criticism for being too predictable when attacking with the ball and found himself vying for a starting place with teenager Ngumoha towards the end of the season.New boss Andoni Iraola has already signed one winger this summer in the shape of Spanish World Cup-winner Victor Munoz, but McAteer, who joined the Reds from Bolton Wanderers in 1995 and made 139 appearances for the club, still has a lot of time for Gakpo and thinks he was unfairly treated by some supporters during the previous campaign.Speaking to Betarades.gr, McAteer said: "When a football club doesn't do as well as people expect, or expectations drop or levels drop, then fans will look to find blame somewhere. 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.""Cody seems to relish playing for his country. All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page"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.
He now faces increased competition from rising star Ngumoha but could also see his place come under threat from Liverpool's current pursuit of France international Barcola, who also prefers playing on the left."He was under pressure last season from Rio," added McAteer. So he was always fighting it."Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 away kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.