Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nez could be at the core of a solution to a vexing Liverpool dilemma, with Jürgen Klopp being presented with additional evidence in support of a move
Liverpool went into Saturday’s match against Bournemouth with confidence after last week’s 7-0 triumph over Manchester United, but while that was previously viewed as a turning moment in the season, the Reds put up a performance typical of the season so far.
The majority of the dismal performances have occurred away from home, with Liverpool registering only three Premier League victories, all of which have come against teams not known for a defensive style of play in front of their home fans.
And there’s a tendency that could assist Jürgen Klopp solve the team’s poor road performances.
Cody Gakpo came to life in the win over Manchester United at Anfield, putting up his greatest performance in red to yet. Against a club that used an aggressive man-marking strategy, the Dutch international was able to find space on a regular basis, resulting in a brace converted in the manner of a known world-class striker.
Nonetheless, he has struggled to make a big impression against more pragmatic opponents. He didn’t necessarily have a poor game against Bournemouth, but there are indicators of a recurring problem for Liverpool.
Gakpo appears to fit the same mold as Roberto Firmino, who has always fared better against opponents that are used to attacking with a higher line. Three of the former PSV Eindhoven striker’s goals have come against Newcastle and Manchester United, while his goal against a defensive Everton was a simple tap-in.
Nonetheless, he has struggled to make a big impression against more pragmatic opponents. He didn’t necessarily have a poor game against Bournemouth, but there are indicators of a recurring problem for Liverpool.
Gakpo appears to fit the same mold as Roberto Firmino, who has always fared better against opponents that are used to attacking with a higher line. Three of the former PSV Eindhoven striker’s goals have come against Newcastle and Manchester United, while his goal against a defensive Everton was a simple tap-in.
Of course, Nez’s offensive runs from the left wing have been productive as well, but a problem arises when such gaps are packed out by opposing midfielders. In those scenarios, Liverpool must have the option of moving wide before delivering a cross into the box to Mane, who has the most headed goals for the Reds this season.
Six points behind the top four, with a game in hand on Tottenham Hotspur and a meeting against them remaining to play, Klopp has time to find a solution to Liverpool’s poor away form. And the defeat to Bournemouth could have been one of the season’s most valuable lessons.
While some exhibitions have demonstrated that Liverpool has the proper puzzle pieces, others have showed that they haven’t found the best way to put them together. That appears to be Klopp’s first jigsaw puzzle to solve as his attack evolves, with the picture gradually becoming clearer.
For the time being, however, it may simply be a case of going back to basics when confronted with the pragmatic defensive systems that have previously troubled Liverpool, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both capable of delivering quality from wide positions on a regular basis — assisting the Reds in unlocking Nez’s potential further.
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