Gakpo shakes off Kvaratskhelia INSULT

Luis Diaz began the season in possession of Liverpool’s left-wing berth and got off to a flyer.

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The Colombian emerged as the Reds’ go-to attacker through the opening stages of the campaign but things have certainly taken a turn since then.

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Instead of being a guaranteed starter on the left, Diaz has had to contend himself with a central attacking berth when Arne Slot feels like changing things up front.

That’s because the left-wing battle has been won emphatically by Cody Gakpo.

The 25-year-old Dutchman was Diaz’s reserve on the left during Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge, starting only two Premier League matches in his preferred position all season long.

Klopp seemed to put him anywhere but left wing, with the Netherlands international popping up in midfield, up front and in the support striker position.

Ever since starring for the Oranje at left wing in Euro 2024, Gakpo is back to his best in his favourite position with Arne Slot and Liverpool now reaping the benefits.

Gakpo's AWESOME numbers

The former PSV captain has scored in seven Anfield games running and has enjoyed nine goal contributions in his last 10 games.

He has come up clutch for the Reds in big games against Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid and his numbers are comparable to the very best the Premier League has to offer.

Among top-flight players in all competitions only Mohamed Salah (44), Erling Haaland (27), Alexander Isak (24) and Bukayo Saka (22) have got more goal contributions this term.

“Cody is having a special season but second half of last season he was special and during the Euros he was special for Holland so it doesn’t just fall out of the sky. It was something he did before,” Slot said after Gakpo’s latest goal against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Thursday night.

Gakpo the best in the world?

It’s been a stunning turnaround for Gakpo, with Klopp admitting towards the end of last season that he had made mistakes with his £37.5 million signing.

Klopp couldn’t ever seem to find the right role for the versatile forward but Slot has now shown decisively that Gakpo is better than what he was showing under his predecessor.

With Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior either injured or suspended over the past couple of months, there is even an argument that Gakpo is Europe’s best left-winger in 2025, making those tentative enquiries for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia look all the more curious.

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Gakpo has a right to feel a little insulted by Liverpool's Kvara interest considering his current output. On this form, Liverpool are not going to need a new left-winger any time soon.

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