Gakpo's Dutch Revival Contrasts With Anfield Uncertainty

Cody Gakpo has been one of the Netherlands' standout performers in recent international fixtures, scoring twice in his last three appearances for his country. Yet his sparkling form for Oranje stands in stark contrast to his situation at Liverpool, where heightened competition for places threatens to limit his game time.

The 25-year-old forward joined Liverpool in January 2023 for an initial £35 million from PSV Eindhoven but has struggled to cement a consistent starting role under Jürgen Klopp and now new manager Arne Slot. With the arrivals and emergence of other attacking options, Gakpo's future has become a subject of intense speculation.

Increased Competition: A Crowded Attack

Liverpool's forward line now boasts multiple high-calibre players. Mohamed Salah remains the undisputed star on the right wing, while Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez occupy the left and central roles respectively. The summer signing of another attacker—potentially a direct competitor for Gakpo's preferred left-wing position—has further intensified the battle for places.

Gakpo has been deployed across the front three and even as a midfield option at times, but his most effective displays—particularly for the Netherlands—come from the left flank. With Díaz enjoying a strong run of form, the Dutchman may find himself second-choice in that position.

Tactical Fit Under Arne Slot

Head coach Arne Slot, who took over in the summer, prefers a fluid attacking system with high pressing and quick transitions. Gakpo's technical ability and tactical intelligence align with these demands, but Slot has shown a tendency to stick with a settled frontline. In the opening weeks of the season, Gakpo has started fewer than half of Liverpool's Premier League matches, often introduced as a substitute.

"He has quality, no doubt," Slot said in a recent press conference. "But we have many players who deserve to play. It is about finding the right balance for the team." The manager's cautious rotation suggests Gakpo is viewed as a valuable squad option rather than a guaranteed starter.

Fantasy Premier League Implications

For FPL managers, Gakpo's situation is a frustration. Owned by just 3.2% of players, he represents a differential option but one with unreliable minutes. His price of £7.5 million makes him a mid-range asset, but with upcoming fixtures against top-six sides—including Manchester City and Arsenal—managers may be reluctant to gamble on a rotation risk.

If Gakpo's lack of starts continues, his ownership could drop further. A potential transfer away in January might revive his FPL appeal but would also remove him from Liverpool's favourable fixture run later in the season.

  • Current ownership: 3.2%
  • Price: £7.5 million
  • Minutes played: 312 of 630 available (as of Matchweek 10)
  • Goals & assists: 2 goals in last 5 games across all competitions

What Lies Ahead: January Window Looms

With the January transfer window approaching, Gakpo's representatives are likely to assess his game time carefully. A loan move—or permanent departure—cannot be ruled out if the situation does not improve. Several European clubs, including former side PSV and teams from Germany, are reportedly monitoring his status.

For Liverpool, keeping Gakpo provides depth crucial for a title challenge and Champions League run. But the player's ambitions, especially with Euro 2024 on the horizon, may force a decision. If he is to secure a starting spot for the Netherlands next summer, regular club football is essential. The next two months will determine whether Gakpo fights for his place at Anfield or seeks a fresh start elsewhere.

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