Cody Gakpo Impresses Despite Liverpool’s Dominant Victory in Europa League Clash

Liverpool’s Europa League journey against Sparta Prague witnessed standout performances, with winger Cody Gakpo catching the eye of BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin for his commendable efforts during Thursday’s match.

Jurgen Klopp’s squad showcased their dominance over the reigning Czech champions, securing a commanding first-leg lead in the last-16 encounter.

Gakpo exhibited a strong display for Liverpool in Prague, contributing significantly to his team’s attacking endeavors. Although he couldn’t find the back of the net, he earned praise for his persistent efforts throughout the match.

One notable moment came late in the first half when Gakpo, valued at £35 million, seized a promising opportunity. Despite facing defensive pressure, he maintained his composure and attempted a shot on goal, demonstrating resilience by staying on his feet despite being pulled back by an opponent.

BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Pat Nevin commended Gakpo’s determination, highlighting how many players would have succumbed to the challenge but praised Gakpo for his desire to score.

According to Sofascore statistics, Gakpo was a force to be reckoned with, registering multiple shots on target, creating key chances, and demonstrating prowess in ground and aerial duels.

While Gakpo’s contributions earned him a commendable rating of 7 out of 10 from Goal.com, the analysis also noted areas for improvement, particularly in converting opportunities into goals to further enhance his impact at Anfield.

Despite Gakpo’s commendable efforts, Liverpool’s dominance was evident throughout the match, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez, Conor Bradley (own goal), Luis Diaz, and substitute Dominik Szoboszlai sealing a comprehensive victory for the Reds.

While Mohamed Salah’s late goal was disallowed by VAR, Liverpool emerged victorious, setting the stage for an exciting second leg following their impressive performance in Prague.