Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad boasts an enviable array of attacking options, including the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, and emerging talents like Jayden Danns and Cody Gakpo. With competition for places fierce, Klopp faces the challenge of selecting his front line from a pool of elite forwards.
While Salah remains a key figure in the Liverpool attack, the battle for the remaining spots is intense. Gakpo has featured prominently in recent games, often alongside Harvey Elliott and potentially Luis Díaz once he returns from injury. However, Gakpo’s performances have raised questions about his place in the starting lineup, with his contributions sometimes falling short of expectations.
Despite getting into scoring positions, Gakpo’s finishing has been less clinical compared to his counterparts. With a conversion rate below par, he has missed several clear-cut chances in recent games, highlighting a need for improvement in his finishing.
Analyzing Gakpo’s statistics reveals a deviation from his usual performance levels in terms of expected goals (xG). While he has typically matched or exceeded his xG figures in previous seasons, this campaign has seen him fall slightly below expectations, indicating a dip in his finishing efficiency.
As Liverpool’s injured forwards return to full fitness, Gakpo may find himself facing increased competition for his place in the starting lineup. Klopp will likely prioritize players who can consistently deliver in front of goal, making it crucial for Gakpo to rediscover his scoring touch to cement his position in the team.