ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has stirred controversy by asserting that Cody Gakpo isn’t up to par to secure a starting spot in Liverpool’s lineup. With the Reds gearing up for a pivotal clash against Manchester City, Gakpo’s potential role in the match has been a topic of discussion.

Gakpo, who joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven for a substantial fee last January, has showcased promise with his versatility and goal-scoring prowess. However, despite his contributions, Nicol contends that Gakpo falls short of making the starting lineup for Liverpool when all players are available.

Nicol, speaking on ESPN FC, expressed his view that while Gakpo serves as a valuable option off the bench for Liverpool, he doesn’t possess the caliber required to crack the starting eleven in optimal conditions.

The pundit elaborated on his stance, suggesting that while Gakpo is a capable player, he remains more suited to a role as a squad player rather than a consistent starter at the highest level of the Premier League.

With Liverpool facing an injury-laden roster ahead of their crucial showdown against Manchester City, speculation has swirled regarding Gakpo’s potential involvement. Despite the absence of several key players, it is unlikely that Gakpo will feature in the starting lineup, with Klopp likely to opt for a front three comprising Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah.

However, Gakpo’s proficiency in the final third could still prove influential off the bench, providing Liverpool with a potent attacking threat late in the game. While he may not secure a starting role against Manchester City, Gakpo’s ability to impact the game in crucial moments remains undeniable.