Liverpool fans must have been delighted with the way the team bounced back last night after Saturday’s disappointment.
Supporters were expectant following the crushing loss to Nottingham Forest and the players did not let them down despite the early setback and secured the win.
However, one Liverpool player excelled and has made his claim that he should definitely be included in the next starting eleven.
Read more: Dutch legend admits he expects Virgil van Dijk to leave
Why Cody Gakpo is now undroppable
Cody Gakpo was nothing short of outstanding for the Reds last night. The Dutch forward looked lethal on the attack, easily beating AC Milan defenders and always looking to see whether a shot on goal was attainable.
His stats also make for good reading. Cody managed eight touches in the opposition box, won seven duels and successfully took on opposition players four times throughout the whole match, more than any other Liverpool player.
On top of that, he was the assist provider for the third goal, barging through the Milan left hand side and delivering a lovely cross right onto the foot of Dominik Szoboszlai.
Cody Gakpo vs Ac Milan 🇳🇱 🪄 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/a0slZZIral
— GAKPO Era ⚡💙 (@dalton_gakpo) September 18, 2024
During our player ratings last night, the Reds number 18 received an 8/10 which could have been even higher with some media outlets gifting him the Man of the Match award.
Gazzetta Dello Sport given Cody Gakpo MOM for last night’s game at San Siro. For sure it was between him and Gravenberch, with former very much the threat he was for Netherlands in the summer. Direct, smart, skilful, confident. Liverpool’s attacking left-side so strong right now. pic.twitter.com/vRZ7xVQk2w
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) September 18, 2024
Alan Shearer was also full of superlatives during Amazon Prime's coverage of the game describing his actions as 'magnificent.'
“Magnificent from Cody Gakpo,” Shearer said during the commentary.
“The way he stops the defender, Pavlovic it is, stops it and goes past him. Just gives him a little bit of encouragement to think he can nick it off him.
“The last thing, can he pick out Salah or Szoboszlai, he can pick them out alright. Wonderful goal, really good play from Gakpo.”
Gakpo has had to be patient so far. After a blistering European Championships this summer, the game at the San Siro last night was actually his first competitive start of the season. And his performance sent a message to Arne Slot that he should be starting more games.
Who would you start against Bournemouth? 👇
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 18, 2024
Liverpool’s attacking options are endless. But with over 50 games a season being played, players will have to earn their stripes through performances, and last night proved why Gakpo is now a certainty in the Reds' strongest the line-up.
If he continues that momentum and streamlines it into the next few weeks, it will simply be impossible to leave him out of the first eleven for Slot.