English press sees Gakpo shine at a 'much more enjoyable' Liverpool

Liverpool has progressed to the next round in the cup. Arne Slot's team, as observed by the writers across the North Sea, had slightly less control over the game than usual. They didn’t mind that much, though. Additionally, standout player Cody Gakpo received compliments following the victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.

English press sees Gakpo shine at a 'much more enjoyable' Liverpool
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The recent League Cup performance by Cody Gakpo has caught the attention of major English media, each highlighting the Dutchman’s remarkable influence on Liverpool’s offensive game under new manager Arne Slot.

In a display that felt looser and more spontaneous than the carefully orchestrated league matches, Gakpo stood out, offering the energy and creativity that Liverpool fans are beginning to expect from him. The coverage across British publications reflects a growing excitement about his potential impact as the season progresses.

"The Times" noted a distinct shift in Liverpool's approach, suggesting a clear separation between the disciplined strategy seen in the Premier League and the more free-flowing, aggressive style in cup competitions. According to The Times, Gakpo’s goal celebration echoed the confidence and poise of Eric Cantona, a comparison that underlines his influence on the field. They suggest that Slot, known for his tactical flexibility, may be employing a unique strategy: balancing a controlled league approach with an "all-out" attack style for cup games. For fans, this blend could offer the best of both worlds—solid consistency in the league while embracing the thrill of unpredictable, high-stakes cup matches.

The BBC highlighted Gakpo’s continued affinity for the League Cup. Last season, he scored in four consecutive League Cup games, leading Liverpool to the final. This year, Gakpo has already netted four goals in the competition, proving he’s a consistent performer when it comes to knockout football. They noted that this strong start in the League Cup would boost his confidence as he looks to extend his scoring success to the Premier League, especially with a hectic match schedule on the horizon. The BBC pointed out that with Liverpool facing numerous fixtures in the coming months, Gakpo’s goal-scoring instincts will be a valuable asset, giving Slot a potent option to maintain Liverpool’s attacking strength.

The Liverpool Echo praised Gakpo’s "excellent season start," placing him among the standout players since Slot’s arrival. They noted that if fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch is viewed as the player making the most progress under Slot’s management, Gakpo is not far behind. In their post-match analysis, they rated him a 9, recognizing his two “devastating strikes” that left a lasting impact on the game and secured Liverpool’s advancement. The Echo traditionally accompanies its ratings with witty wordplay, and this time was no different, underscoring how Gakpo’s performance has made him a favorite among fans and critics alike.

Meanwhile, The Guardian saw Gakpo’s performance as a timely answer to one of Slot’s primary concerns. With Diogo Jota out due to injury, Slot had expressed worry earlier in the week over a reduced pool of forward options. However, Gakpo’s display appeared to alleviate those worries, showing that he is not only in excellent form but also ready to step up when needed. According to The Guardian, Gakpo’s dominant play made a compelling case for a starting role, suggesting he could become a regular fixture in Slot’s lineup, especially as Liverpool navigates a busy period of domestic and European fixtures.

Together, these reports paint a promising picture for Gakpo at Liverpool. His ability to adapt to Slot’s vision while delivering high-caliber performances in crucial matches has cemented his status as a key player. The comparisons to legendary figures and the praise from English media signal that he has the potential to become one of Liverpool’s pivotal players this season. For Slot, Gakpo’s versatility and readiness to perform are invaluable assets, allowing him to experiment with different tactical setups and giving Liverpool fans much to anticipate in the months ahead.