Cody Gakpo has been instrumental in Liverpool’s early performance this season. Despite losing their seven-game winning streak before the October international break, Arne Slot seems hopeful about the upcoming game against Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim will be missing a key duo at Anfield when the Red Devils face the Merseysiders on Sunday. Noussair Mazraoui might miss the clash in Merseyside as his injury from September still seems to be healing.
Lisandro Martinez, on the other hand, is still battling his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear suffered in February. Gakpo is expected to play a key role against Amorim’s men following his form during the international break.
The Dutchman managed to score three and assist one during the October break as the Netherlands won 4-0 against both Finland and Malta. He’s also already scored two goals and assisted twice in the English Premier League this season.
Gakpo overperformed by a small margin as his xG and npxG both stand at 1.3. The Dutch international seems to have settled well, as he talked about the adjustments with Premier League Productions.
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo on home
Cody Gakpo misses Liverpool when in Holland (Credits: Imago Images)
An important distinction that Gakpo made regarding the feeling of home is that he misses Liverpool when in Holland. The attacker praised the club, the fans and the overall environment at Merseyside.
“It’s a privilege. It’s a great feeling, obviously, to go out and practise and do what you love and to get better every day. It’s a very special place.”
“It’s a very special club with amazing people working here and amazing supporters who support us every step of the way. I couldn’t wish for any better team. As home as I can be! Very much at home.”
“Sometimes when I am in Holland I want to go home [Liverpool], so that means I feel very much at home here. It’s the whole environment. A great team, great club and great people, obviously my family as well, so that all together makes it home.”
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Gakpo on the transition phase
Gakpo also talked about the transition phase that the club is going through. He said that the team is adapting and the Reds will soon find a way to get back on their feet.
“I think it’s always been difficult when new players come in to adapt to the team. But I think now, when we have a lot of new players, sometimes it’s difficult when you change the team.”
“We try to get to know each other every day better and better again. It’s also a little unfortunate with Alex, who didn’t really have a pre-season. It’s all these things together – but I think we will find a way forward.”
