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‘Way more fun’ – Cody Gakpo embracing Liverpool position change.
At Liverpool, Cody Gakpo is enjoying his new role as a playmaking midfielder, where he is having “way more fun” in a successful endeavour.
Since the Netherlands international completed a high-profile deal to Anfield during the winter transfer window, questions have been raised about his optimal position.
The 24-year-old was a standout attacker for his previous team, PSV, playing either through the middle or on the wings. He has also played both the wings and centre striker in England.
Gakpo did, however, benefit from Jurgen Klopp dropping him a bit deeper for the Reds’ build-up play against Brentford last time out, which allowed him to start Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Nunez together.
Gakpo has told reporters of his position switch: “I enjoy playing for sure and I’m looking where I can help the team the most. Sometimes that’s a little bit deeper in the midfield and sometimes it’s in the striker’s position. I just enjoy playing with my team-mates, and especially when you win it is way more fun!”
After making a slow start to his spell in the Premier League, Gakpo now has six goals and two assists to his name and has helped the Reds to six successive victories in the English top flight. He added on finding form as an individual and a collective: “It’s a great feeling [to win six games in a row] but the season isn’t over yet. I think we just have to stay focused, keep working hard and try to win the last three as well. I’m really happy with the win and looking forward to the next game already.”
On May 15, Liverpool will return to action when they travel to Leicester. Klopp’s team is just one point behind Manchester United in the hunt for a top-four finish, despite having played one more game than their Old Trafford rivals.