Jay Bothroyd, who has questioned what the Netherlands forward actually does for Liverpool, is not a fan of Cody Gakpo.
In January 2023, Liverpool acquired the 25-year-old from PSV, following heavy rumours of a transfer to Manchester United.
After a fantastic World Cup campaign with the Netherlands in Qatar and a solid start to 2022–2023 at the club level, they paid almost £35 million to acquire Gakpo.
The Dutch attacker was apparently wanted by a number of Premier League teams, but the Reds unexpectedly moved in to finalize the deal.
Gakpo has had inconsistent results since coming to England; in 79 games for Liverpool, he has nine assists and 23 goals.
This season, he assisted Jurgen Klopp’s team in winning the Carabao Cup, although Gakpo’s sole trophy in England is that one, while PSV has thrived under Peter Bosz.
Though his performances haven’t exactly lit up the Premier League, Gakpo hasn’t exactly been a bust either.
Please forward Jay Bothroyd’s hatred of Cody Gakpo.
Furthermore, in a rambling tirade, former Premier League striker Bothroyd expressed his intense distaste for the “very overrated” Dutchman, who, in my opinion, hasn’t received much praise since joining Liverpool.
“I don’t like Gakpo at all, I think Gakpo’s very overrated, I don’t think he’s done anywhere near enough for Liverpool,” Bothroyd said.
“I think he’s one of those players that you don’t actually know what position he is, to the point where Klopp, left-wing, right-wing, in the hole, number nine, and he doesn’t really perform anywhere really well on a consistent basis.
“Being versatile, what does that mean? If you’re average but you’re versatile in these positions, why is that any good? I’d prefer you to be a master of one than a jack of all trades.”
Versatility or Mastery? Liverpool’s Gakpo Weighs In
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo recently offered a candid assessment of versatile players, raising questions about their effectiveness on the pitch. Gakpo noted the challenges such players face in consistently excelling across multiple positions, despite their adaptability.
“I think he’s one of those players that you don’t actually know what position he is,” Gakpo remarked. “Klopp tried him in left-wing, right-wing, in the hole, as a number nine, but he doesn’t really perform anywhere consistently well.”
Gakpo expressed skepticism about the value of versatility in football. “Being versatile, what does that mean? If you’re average but versatile in these positions, why is that any good? I’d prefer you to be a master of one than a jack of all trades,” he added.
Gakpo Optimistic About New Coach Slot
As Gakpo prepares to work under Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, he draws comparisons to the familiar style of Jürgen Klopp. Slot, the former Feyenoord boss, steps in as Liverpool’s first-ever head coach, a role distinct from the traditional manager position.
Gakpo expressed confidence in Slot’s compatibility with Liverpool’s established style. “I think so, otherwise the club wouldn’t have appointed him,” he told De Telegraaf. “If you talk about neat football and high pressure, with the latter being a very big characteristic of us under Jürgen Klopp, then that is also something we are certainly used to.”
Although Gakpo has not yet spoken with Slot personally, he is aware of Slot’s reputation. “I do know that he has always made it very difficult for us at PSV and is known as a very good trainer, of course,” Gakpo noted.
As Liverpool transitions to a new era under Slot, Gakpo’s insights highlight the ongoing debate between versatility and specialization in football, alongside anticipation for Slot’s potential impact on the team.