I’m really glad Liverpool kept Cody Gakpo this summer.
And now Steven Gerrard has explained exactly why I think it was the right decision.
There was a time when I wasn’t entirely convinced about Gakpo. Last season, he could look frustrating, his performances lacked consistency, and I wondered whether Liverpool might be better off moving him on.
I’m happy to admit that my opinion has changed.
Gakpo has looked a different player under Andoni Iraola, and with Liverpool facing a demanding season, keeping him could prove to be one of the club’s most important decisions.
Gerrard clearly feels the same way.
Speaking to Adebayo Akinfenwa on the Beast Mode On podcast, the Liverpool legend explained why retaining Gakpo was so important.
“I think it was critical that we kept Cody Gakpo. He’s an important part of the squad and hopefully he can keep delivering because if he can bring that consistency over the course of a season, I’m really looking forward to watching him.”
I think Gerrard has got this spot on.
Liverpool needed to keep him
There was plenty of uncertainty surrounding Gakpo during the summer.
Manchester City and Tottenham were both interested in signing him, with reports suggesting Liverpool could have considered a significant offer.
Ultimately, he stayed at Anfield.
And looking at Liverpool’s attacking options, I think that was the right call.
Hugo Ekitike’s Achilles injury has complicated the picture, while Alexander Isak is another forward Liverpool need to manage carefully. Gakpo’s ability to play through the middle as well as from the left gives Iraola valuable flexibility.
Gerrard made that point himself, explaining that Liverpool had limited natural centre-forward options following Ekitike’s injury and that keeping Gakpo was therefore critical.
That’s the thing about building a squad capable of competing across several competitions.
You need more than a strong starting eleven.
You need players who can step into different roles, cover for injuries and give the manager options when the fixtures start piling up.
Gakpo can do that.
And if Liverpool had sold him, replacing his goals, movement and versatility would not have been straightforward.
I’m seeing a different Gakpo this season
This is where my opinion has changed most.
Last season, I sometimes felt Gakpo was trying too hard to make things happen. He could look short of confidence, and there were occasions when I wanted him to be more direct.
Recently, though, I’ve liked what I’ve seen.
He’s looked more confident, more aggressive and more willing to take defenders on. He’s also been linking up well with the players around him, which is particularly important as Liverpool try to get more out of their expensive attacking unit.
I don’t think he’s suddenly become the finished article. There are still things he can improve, and Gerrard’s comments make that clear.
But I’m encouraged.
Gakpo looks like a player who has rediscovered some belief in himself.
And when a forward has that confidence, you start to see the qualities that made Liverpool sign him from PSV Eindhoven in the first place.
Gerrard has identified the next challenge
The most important part of Gerrard’s comments isn’t simply that Liverpool were right to keep Gakpo.
It’s his emphasis on consistency.
Gakpo has shown what he can do in individual matches and periods of good form. The challenge now is producing those performances regularly across an entire season.
That’s what separates a useful squad player from somebody who becomes genuinely indispensable.
Liverpool need Gakpo to contribute goals, create chances and give defenders problems, even when the team isn’t playing particularly well.
They also need him to remain available.
With injuries already affecting the forward line, losing another attacker would leave Iraola with difficult decisions to make.
Gerrard acknowledged that Gakpo has a minor issue at the moment, but stressed how much Liverpool will need him.
Hopefully, it’s nothing serious and he can return soon.
Because Liverpool need him.
Iraola could get even more out of him
I also think Gakpo could benefit enormously as Iraola continues to shape this team.
The manager has spoken positively about his relationship with the Dutchman and his performances during pre-season.
That relationship matters.
Gakpo is experienced enough to know what is expected at Liverpool, but he is still at an age where he can develop further. If Iraola can give him a clear role and build a strong understanding between him, Isak and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool could have a very dangerous attack.
I’m particularly interested in how Gakpo combines with Isak.
The two offer different qualities, and getting them working together consistently could make a real difference to Liverpool’s attacking play.
That’s another reason I wouldn’t have wanted Gakpo sold.
You don’t always need another expensive signing. Sometimes you need to get the best out of the players you’ve already got.
I’m glad Liverpool kept him
I’ll be honest: if you’d asked me last season whether Gakpo should be sold, I might have entertained the idea.
Now, I’m glad Liverpool kept him.
Gerrard’s comments have reinforced something I’ve been thinking for a while. Gakpo has the ability, the experience and the versatility to be a very important player for this squad.
But the next step is consistency.
He needs to keep delivering when Liverpool need him, rather than producing a good run of form and then disappearing from games.
If he can do that, keeping him could prove to be a very smart decision indeed.
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool were right to keep Cody Gakpo. Having seen the improvement myself, I’m inclined to agree with him.
Now I want to see Gakpo turn that promise into a full season of performances Liverpool can rely on.
Because if he does, Liverpool supporters might look back on the summer and realise just how important it was that he stayed.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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