Liverpool have been a far cry from the brand of high-octane swashbuckling football, fans and neutrals alike have gotten to know Jurgen Klopp’s men in this period.
There have been flashes of brilliance, to be sure, although it’s clear an injection of dynamism is badly needed and Jurgen Klopp certainly hopes new signing Cody Gakpo can provide that in buckets.
“Yes, he is in the fight, he will be involved in the team of course,” the 55-year-old told liverpoolfc.com.
“How exactly, we’ll have to decide in the next few hours but that’s okay.
“First impressions are brilliant. So with all these things, injured forwards and things like this, and seeing a guy who is obviously a natural footballer on the pitch and knows where the goal is, it’s an encouragement for everyone.
“And yeah, that’s great and in a way he’s going to be involved.”
Not exactly the department the Reds desperately needed bolstering this January, that’s evident from the lack of midfield drive and inability to control space in midfield, though there’s no reason the German tactician couldn’t. I expect the PSV man to deliver a similar adrenaline shot to the season Luis Diaz provided in 2021/22.
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There’s a good chance we’ll still dive back into the January market to find that highly sought after midfielder to add a few legs to a declining midfield department.
However, as things currently stand, we’re well on our way to completing the rest of the campaign with just our current team options to contend with.
Jurgen Klopp on Cody Gakpo: ????️”I see a guy who is obviously a natural footballer on the pitch and knows where the goal is.”pic.twitter.com/FcHw9oZjEH
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 7, 2023
It is a challenge that could prove too much even for Klopp, although the hope is that Gakpo can start working on Merseyside and inject some life into this struggling team.
A few goals here and there will certainly help, but it’s a Diaz-style impact that could make all the difference for our season if more innings aren’t arranged before the window closes.
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