Cody Gakpo discusses his preferred position at Liverpool

Cody Gakpo has been talking about his favourite position, having been used in a variety of roles for club and country.

The Dutchman, who was a €40m January arrival last season, was often used from the left for his previous club, PSV Eindhoven.

However, Gakpo has also been used centrally for his country and it is the 'false nine' role that he has most frequently occupied for  Jurgen Klopp's side — with his performances even earning comparisons with Roberto Firmino.

In an interview with The Athletic, the 24-year-old was asked about the differences in the positions and his personal preference, claiming 'it's not that difficult' to switch between roles.

"As the false number nine, I can drop a little bit into midfield, stay a bit deeper, look at situations, and start attacks," Gakpo said. "I don’t have to wait for an attack to come to me. To be that involved in games is nice.

"It’s difficult to say [what position I prefer], as it depends on the game and the opponent.

"I just like to be in a position where I can get on the ball a lot. I like to carry it from midfield to the attacking side and then hopefully score or assist. My preference? Just to play. You have to change some things tactically when you play different roles but you get used to it. It’s not that difficult."

Gakpo scored seven times in 21 Premier League appearances last season, including a doubles in the 7-0 win over Manchester United.

After impressing in his first half campaign, the Netherlands star is likely to compete with Darwin Nuñez for the role of Klopp's first-choice centre forward in 2023/24.

READ MORE: Who is Liverpool's best centre forward?

Elsewhere in the wide-ranging interview, Gakpo discussed the impact Jordan Henderson had on his first six months at Anfield, describing the departed captain as like a brother.

"Hendo was like a big brother," Gakpo said. "He was always asking me how I was, if where I was living was OK, did I need anything?

"He was a real captain, inside the field and outside the field, always there for everybody, a great personality. He’s an example of how a professional player has to be. I really looked up to him. I could learn a lot from him. I could have learned more, but that’s not possible anymore. A really great guy and a great footballer. As the coach said, he’s a legend and we will miss him."