Liverpool star Cody Gakpo makes worrying comment ahead of Everton derby after Van Dijk chat
Gakpo’s performances have been praised by Liverpool fans and coaches alike, with his speed and directness causing problems for opposition defenses.
However, despite his promising displays, the 22-year-old has been left frustrated by his inability to convert his chances.
Gakpo had a successful first half of the season with PSV, as he scored 13 goals and also assisted 17 more.
However, since his transfer to Liverpool for a fee of £37 million in January, he has yet to make an impact in terms of goal contributions.
The 23-year-old forward admitted that not scoring can be mentally challenging and stated that any forward who claims otherwise is not being truthful.
He is confident that he will eventually break his goal drought by adapting to the playing style and system under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
“The guys who say it doesn’t affect them when they don’t score are lying. I am an attacking player so, of course, I like to score goals or give assists – and I also like to win,” Gakpo said ahead of the clash with rivals Everton.
“I am just trying to improve my game and fit how I play into how the team plays. If I can do that, the rest will follow.”
Gakpo was influenced by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk to join the Reds instead of considering offers from Manchester United.
Van Dijk, who is also Gakpo’s teammate on the Netherlands national team, has been providing support and encouragement to the 23-year-old forward ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby.
Gakpo expressed his hope of scoring his first goal for Liverpool against Everton, similar to how Van Dijk scored on his debut for the club in an FA Cup match against the same opposition.
Gakpo said of their conversations: “Virgil has told me about the derby and said it’s going to be a big fight. He also told me he scored his first goal against Everton – and now I hope for exactly the same.”
Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has taken notice of Gakpo’s pressing skills and is not worried about the fact that the attacker has not yet scored for the club.
The Liverpool boss said at the end of January: “His defending is outstanding. Okay, we bought a striker and talk about defending but his defending in the central position is outstanding. That’s what we need.”
The German continued: You can see in his finishing, he is a sensational finisher and his shooting from distance is outstanding.
“I’m completely happy. People will say he didn’t score but coming in as a striker in our team in this moment, congratulations, and then getting judged because you don’t score, that’s really cool.”
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo makes worrying comment ahead of Everton derby after Van Dijk chat
