Cody Gakpo has finally scored again for Liverpool. Both before and after the match against Sheffield United, much was said about the Dutchman's performance.
Before their clash with Sheffield United, Mohamed Salah's words of encouragement for Cody Gakpo lit a spark of confidence within the Liverpool squad.
Salah, when quizzed about who he believed to be the most underrated player among his teammates, didn't hesitate to mention Gakpo alongside Darwin Núñez. "Alisson receives a lot of credit, which is justified because he deserves it," Salah expressed to the English media. He acknowledged the acclaim received by other team stalwarts like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Robertson but felt it was time for Núñez and Gakpo to be recognized. Salah, however, was uncertain if the fanbase shared his perspective.
This endorsement proved to be a precursor to an impactful performance by Gakpo during the Sheffield game on Thursday night. Substituted into the game, Gakpo’s crucial header shortly before the final whistle not only added to his tally but also clinched the victory for Liverpool, making the scoreline 3-1. Liverpool had found themselves in the lead thanks to Núñez's effort in the first half, only for Conor Bradley’s own goal to even the stakes after halftime. The deadlock was eventually broken by Alexis Mac Allister, who netted a pivotal goal approximately fifteen minutes from time, emphasizing the game's one-sided nature despite the initially close score.
Gakpo's contributions throughout the season, culminating in his sixth Premier League goal, did not go unnoticed post-match. Mac Allister, in conversations with TNT, praised Gakpo's work ethic and leadership qualities, underscoring his integral role in the squad. The mutual respect within the team was evident as Gakpo reciprocated the admiration, lauding Mac Allister's critical goal towards the end of the game, a moment that underscored their collaborative spirit.
Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager, shared his enthusiasm over Mac Allister's performance, drawing parallels with a historic moment from Steven Gerrard against Olympiakos in 2004, a comparison made by the English press. Klopp highlighted Mac Allister's wonder goal as a game-changer, emphasizing his significance to the team not just as a player but as an individual. "He's very important for us, a wonderful player and lad," Klopp remarked to the BBC, expressing his contentment over securing such a talent for Liverpool.
This collective effort and individual brilliance against Sheffield United showcased Liverpool's depth and versatility, reinforcing the belief in their squad's capability to challenge on all fronts. Salah's initial vote of confidence seemed to ripple through the team, culminating in a performance that not only secured three points but also highlighted the contributions of players like Gakpo and Mac Allister, who are quickly becoming indispensable to Klopp's vision for Liverpool.
