Liverpool £44m transfer can solve problem nobody else could for Jurgen Klopp

It was probably the easiest goal Cody Gakpo has scored in his still formative career. But that didn’t make it any less notable.

The Dutchman applied the finishing touch from barely a yard out to convert Trent Alexander-Arnold’s driven cross for Liverpool’s third goal in their knockabout 4-4 draw at Southampton that concluded their Premier League season on Sunday.

The strike was even closer to goal than Gakpo’s debut Reds effort, which also involved tapping in an Alexander-Arnold low ball at the far post against Everton back in February.

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His most recent contribution meant he ended the season with an impressive 20 goals and 20 assists in 50 club games. While the majority were for former club PSV Eindhoven – 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 games – it’s his return for Liverpool that will most encourage Jurgen Klopp, the 24-year-old plundering seven goals and three assists in 26 matches for the Reds.

If it appears disappointing compared to his PSV output, some context is required. Whisked from Holland in a potential £44million deal over Christmas, Gakpo moved to a different country and a different league while being thrust straight into an underwhelming side that was reaching the nadir of a difficult campaign.

And, at least in terms of this season, a new position. Gakpo had been an attacking influence on the left flank with PSV but was introduced down the centre of the Liverpool attack from where he made 18 of his 22 starts this term.

His slightly slow start, then, was understandable. But much like Luis Diaz the previous year, his January introduction brought another dimension to the Liverpool forward line, even if it didn’t quite lead to the same tangible rewards. That, though, could yet come, with Gakpo better placed than those before him to be the direct replacement for the departed Roberto Firmino.

What had long been a problem – whether finding a deputy in the false nine role or someone capable of succeeding the Brazilian – has never before looked as close to being solved than by the growing impact of Gakpo, who since his Liverpool debut has featured in every single game. From his strong pressing, quick feet, willingness to drop in midfield – where he started one game – creativity and game intelligence, the Holland international is a natural successor.

What’s more, Gakpo – much like another Dutch favourite at Anfield, Dirk Kuyt – has acquired a habit for the big occasion. As well as scoring his first Liverpool goal in a Merseyside derby, he netted a memorable brace against former suitors Manchester United and has also bagged at Newcastle United, Leeds United and West Ham United. Plus he was impressive in scoring three goals as Holland reached the quarter-finals of the mid-season World Cup.

And Klopp, speaking after the game at Southampton, knows there is much more to come from Liverpool’s attack next season. “You could see the influence of Diogo Jota, not available for most of the season,” he said. “Luis Diaz, not available for most of the season. Cody Gakpo only came in the winter. Bobby Firmino, not available for big parts of the season. Darwin Nunez completely new.”

Firmino, of course, is gone. But, in Gakpo, his image will live on. The Dutchman is Liverpool’s real false nine now.

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