Liverpool Pair Simply Have to Improve as Cody Gakpo Provides an Answer to Growing Problem

Cody Gakpo has emerged as Liverpool's clutch performer under Arne Slot, delivering crucial goals that address mounting concerns over the form of key forwards like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, as the team leads the Premier League title race.

Gakpo's resurgence on the left wing—his natural position from PSV and Euro 2024—has been pivotal. He scored the equalizer against Leicester on Boxing Day, marking the third time this season he's leveled a home league game at Anfield, leading to a 3-1 win that bolstered Liverpool's cushion with a game in hand[1][2]. Additional clutch strikes include openers against Brighton in the EFL Cup, and Champions League goals versus Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid[1]. His stats shine: 7.4 open-play shot-ending sequences per 90 minutes, surpassing Mohamed Salah's 7.0, and the highest shot-creation actions among Slot's forwards[1][2].

Across competitions, Gakpo boasts 18 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances this 2024/25 season, his best yet, despite starting only two-thirds of games[4]. He netted seven league goals from December to January, starring in wins over Newcastle, Man City, Tottenham, Man United, and Nottingham Forest[4]. Tactically, his pace and width stretch defenses, complementing Diaz's trickery, though build-up play remains an area for growth[4].

However, the Liverpool pair—likely Diaz and Nunez—must elevate their games. While Gakpo thrives post-position change, others like Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch have revitalized under Slot, but inconsistency lingers. Gakpo started on the bench 18 times and faltered in an extra-time cameo against PSG[4]. Pundit Paul Merson notes a mentality shift fueling Gakpo's form[5].

Gakpo himself acknowledges team improvements, with Liverpool losing just twice in 30 games, eyeing trophies in Premier League, Europa League, and Carabao Cup[3]. As January's eight games loom, including Man United, his versatility (striker, midfield, left wing) offers solutions, but he admits room to grow[2][3]. Under Slot, without transfers, Gakpo could cement his status as a title-winning star[1].

(Word count: 298)