Cody Gakpo is being “extensively complimented” at Liverpool, who appear determined to prove the January arrival was worth the outlay.
That’s according to journalist Nico Dijkshoorn, who had a critical assessment of the Dutchman’s debut in the draw with Wolves.
Gakpo completed a move to Liverpool at the end of last month after months of speculation about a move to the Premier League after impressing for PSV Eindhoven in the last few years.
His move to Anfield came as something of a shock given they hadn’t been named as serious contenders for his signature of late given their strength up front.
Their plans changed with the injury to Luis Diaz, though, with a set back in his recovery meaning he is set to spend months on the sidelines.
That prompted Liverpool to make their move and wrap up a deal, with the Dutchman’s arrival causing plenty of excitement at Anfield.
That was only added to by an exciting debut in the 2-2 draw with Wolves in the FA Cup last week, but Dijkshoorn believes there is something a little false about the praise being dished out.
“Klopp spoke about Gakpo in interviews last week as if he were talking about a very fragile deer, with legs like very thin matches,” Soccer News report him saying in Voetbal International.
“Incredibly clever he thought Gakpo had jumped on a sinking ship. Jürgen put it slightly differently. You had players who jumped on a moving train and enjoyed the wind in their hair, but you also had players who wanted to push the train. Such a player was Gakpo.
“After a game in which Gakpo played 83 minutes, he was extensively complimented for daring to give a failed through ball to Mohamed Salah.
“It was a pass that Gakpo let off his foot 47 times a game at PSV, but Klopp and Salah couldn’t get over it. How the failed pass fell on top of a defender’s head and accidentally bounced through for Salah’s feet; yes that was great class from a train pusher still so young.”
