Forwards’ race
- Thread starter rurikbird
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Thats a bit Salah heavy that...
darwin light is another interpretation
His upturn in fortunes doesn’t get spoken about nearly as much as it should purely because others have had good improvement also like CJ, Diaz, Salah and Gravy but he’s been like a new signing in his own right!
Current stats (from Transfermarkt):
34 Salah - 19 goals (14 from open play), 15 assists
14 Diaz - 11 goals, 3 assists
14 Gakpo - 10 goals, 4 assists
7 Jota - 5 goals, 2 assists
7 Nunez - 4 goals, 3 assists
Our wings are productive (Gakpo and Diaz taken together are in the same ballpark as Salah), but our CFs are lagging.
34 Salah - 19 goals (14 from open play), 15 assists
14 Diaz - 11 goals, 3 assists
14 Gakpo - 10 goals, 4 assists
7 Jota - 5 goals, 2 assists
7 Nunez - 4 goals, 3 assists
Our wings are productive (Gakpo and Diaz taken together are in the same ballpark as Salah), but our CFs are lagging.
Salah not far off being as productive as the rest combined. Outrageous.
Easy maths: Gakpo + Diaz = Salah without penalties. Jota + Nunez = Gakpo or Diaz.
Probably because those two have hardly played in comparison ! Both Diaz and Gakpo also having been utilised as CFs.
View: https://x.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1872592127273910451
Cody Gakpo’s settled role at Liverpool and why he is proving so important for Arne Slot
Cody Gakpo marked his anniversary in style.
It was Boxing Day night in 2022 when PSV announced they had reached an agreement to sell the Netherlands attacker to Liverpool.
Outgoing Anfield sporting director Julian Ward had worked through Christmas Day to get the framework of a £44million ($55m at today’s rates) deal agreed.
Gakpo had been on the club’s list of targets for the following summer but PSV’s willingness to sell in the winter — coupled with injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota — led to Liverpool fast-tracking the arrival of a player who had attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Netherlands international proved to be a slow burner. He scored seven goals in 26 appearances while he adjusted to his new surroundings in the second half of 2022-23 and then netted 16 goals in 53 matches in 2023-24.
Under Jurgen Klopp, he was a jack of all trades. He didn’t have a set position as he was shifted from the wing to the central striking role or deployed deeper as the No 10 or even in a midfield berth. He never complained but it was hardly conducive to delivering consistently.
Yet since Arne Slot arrived at Anfield last summer, things have changed. Gakpo’s been deployed solely on the left flank — where he made his name for PSV — and Liverpool have reaped the rewards. He looks more confident and effective — some rough edges have been ironed out.
Having contributed a goal involvement every 137 minutes he played in all competitions last season (16 goals, six assists), that figure stands at 98 minutes (10 goals, four assists) this time. It took him until mid-February to reach double figures for goals in 2023-24.
The importance of Gakpo’s goals makes him even more valuable. He steps up and delivers in big moments. Having scored the opener in the win over Manchester City, and equalisers against Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham, he provided the inspiration Liverpool were craving against Leicester City on Thursday.
Slot’s side were on the brink of going into the break trailing to Jordan Ayew’s opener. Anfield was growing restless, with a succession of aimless crosses being slung into the penalty area. Decision-making was repeatedly letting the home side down. For all their possession, Liverpool had forced just one save from Jakub Stolarczyk.
Then in first-half stoppage time, Gakpo transformed the mood. Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy must have feared what was coming when the 25-year-old cut in off the left and darted past full-back James Justin.
Van Nistelrooy, who coached Gakpo in the academy at PSV and managed him at first-team level, had seen this finish many times. There was Gakpo curling an unstoppable right-footer beyond the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
“It was crucial to score to make it 1-1 just before half-time because that lifted us,” Slot said.
“You could see that immediately in the second half as we just kept on going with what we did. It was not only helpful for us, but it also worked the opposite way for Leicester as they felt like: ‘OK, now it’s going to be tough.'”
There was a certain inevitability about what followed after the interval. Gakpo, who completed 22 of his 24 passes (92 per cent), continued to lead the charge after Curtis Jones’ close-range finish on his 100th Premier League appearance had put Liverpool in front.
Gakpo thought he had added a third with an emphatic finish but his celebrations were curtailed by Darwin Nunez straying offside in the build-up.
Instead, Gakpo had to settle for an assist with the lofted pass that sent Mohamed Salah scampering away to wrap up a victory that sent Liverpool seven points clear with a game in hand following Chelsea’s surprise defeat to Fulham.
What an embarrassment of riches Slot possesses in attack. Diaz had the night off, Jota was only called upon late on and Federico Chiesa remained on the bench.
Liverpool could afford to carry another underwhelming display from the wasteful Nunez, who completed just 10 of his 19 passes (53 per cent), won just one out of four duels (25 per cent) and forced a save with just one of his four attempts on goal.
Although Diaz has showcased the ability to play centrally, Gakpo is effectively vying with the Colombia international for that left-sided spot. It is hard to think of another elite head coach anywhere who has two players of such calibre competing for the same position. Slot will keep on rotating.
Asked about the decision to keep Gakpo mostly on the left this season, Slot said: “The main difference maybe is that the set-up of the front three was a bit different previously than the set-up now.
“We expect a bit from our wingers to keep it wide, to try to get them in one-v-one situations. Cody has done this really well.
“Lucho (Diaz) has done this really well when he played from the left but Lucho is also capable of playing as a nine. He did that really well against Spurs. Against Spurs it was mainly maybe Lucho and Mo (Salah) that were dominant, now it was Cody again, together with Mo. It’s just nice to have so many options, in every position actually but also in the front three.”
Gakpo has started nine of Liverpool’s 17 Premier League matches this season and has come off the bench in the other eight.
He has grown in stature over his two years at Anfield. He’s not their most potent attacking weapon but he is arguably their most underrated as Liverpool’s grip on this title race strengthens.
View: https://x.com/pranav_m28/status/1872590239723909454
I don't think he's underrated any more. Last season you wondered if he'd turn up, now you're relieved to see him on the sheet and on the ball. He plays the game so relaxed, and I think that's perfect for Slotball. The whole just keep doing what we do and we'll be OK attitude and belief. Didn't quite work in a frenetic paced side but ideal now, especially when we're behind or level, cos he just isn't phased and doesn't do anything stupid.
Excerpts from the article below:
View: https://x.com/DavidSegar_/status/1872688019695911197
The Dutchman bagged his 10th goal of the season, making him the third Liverpool player to reach double figures in all competitions (Mohamed Salah 19, Luis Díaz 11), but it was only his fourth in the Premier League. All four of those goals have been crucial, though.
All of Gakpo’s league goals have come at Anfield, all at the Kop end, and all four came at a time when his team were either a goal down or level.
As you can see from his goal map for this season, all 10 of his goals have come either from close to the left corner of the penalty area, or in the six-yard box. None of Gakpo’s nine shots within the width of the posts but outside the six-yard box have led to a goal.
He was given Player of the Match against Leicester, and not just because of his goal and his assist for Salah. Despite having Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, more of Liverpool’s attacks against the team managed by Gakpo’s former PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy came down the left (37.2%), with the winger seeing plenty of the ball. He had 50 touches and completed all three of his dribbles.
Despite having 68.5% possession, Liverpool won just five fouls all evening, with Leicester winning 17. In fact, Foxes goalscorer Ayew alone was awarded more fouls (7) than the hosts were in total. Gakpo was one of only two Liverpool players to win free-kicks for his team (along with Alexis Mac Allister – 2), with three in total, showing how much trouble he was giving the visitors when he picked up the ball.
In total, Liverpool attempted 50 crosses, their most in a Premier League game since recording 54 against Blackburn Rovers exactly 13 years prior (26 December 2011), with Gakpo putting in seven of his own on Thursday. Only Alexander-Arnold (17) and Andrew Robertson (12) attempted more crosses.
It has been an interesting development to see Slot use Díaz as the central attacker in moments, given it was Gakpo who played there more often under Jürgen Klopp. Gakpo has almost entirely been used on the left side of the attack this season so far.
Klopp even played him in central midfield on occasion last season, though admitted in February this year that the unfamiliar role hadn’t helped the player find his best form. “Cody had a bit of a struggle in between the seasons, it was more my fault,” Klopp said at the time. “We spoke about can ‘Cody play a midfield position for us?’ Yes, he can in different moments. Is it his position? I would say no.
He is flying now, though. It was Gakpo’s form in his predominant position on the left for PSV that convinced Liverpool to sign him in January 2023 in the first place, while he also thrived there for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 in the summer, so it is perhaps no surprise to see him doing well there now.
He may have only started 15 games, but no Liverpool player has made as many as Gakpo’s 26 appearances in all competitions this season. Only Salah (34) has more goal involvements for Liverpool than Gakpo’s 14 in all competitions in 2024-25, while only Salah (44) has created more chances from open play for the Reds than Gakpo’s 33.
The Dutchman is also involved in open play shot-ending attacking sequences more often per 90 minutes in all competitions this season (min. 360 minutes played) than any other Liverpool teammate, with his rate of 7.4 per 90 even ahead of Salah (7.0).
Gakpo has 33 goals and 12 assists in 105 games in almost two years with the Merseyside club, and it feels like under Slot, he could well continue to improve and become a key figure in a team that looks likely to challenge for the biggest honours this season.
View: https://x.com/DavidSegar_/status/1872688019695911197
The Dutchman bagged his 10th goal of the season, making him the third Liverpool player to reach double figures in all competitions (Mohamed Salah 19, Luis Díaz 11), but it was only his fourth in the Premier League. All four of those goals have been crucial, though.
All of Gakpo’s league goals have come at Anfield, all at the Kop end, and all four came at a time when his team were either a goal down or level.
As you can see from his goal map for this season, all 10 of his goals have come either from close to the left corner of the penalty area, or in the six-yard box. None of Gakpo’s nine shots within the width of the posts but outside the six-yard box have led to a goal.
He was given Player of the Match against Leicester, and not just because of his goal and his assist for Salah. Despite having Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, more of Liverpool’s attacks against the team managed by Gakpo’s former PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy came down the left (37.2%), with the winger seeing plenty of the ball. He had 50 touches and completed all three of his dribbles.
Despite having 68.5% possession, Liverpool won just five fouls all evening, with Leicester winning 17. In fact, Foxes goalscorer Ayew alone was awarded more fouls (7) than the hosts were in total. Gakpo was one of only two Liverpool players to win free-kicks for his team (along with Alexis Mac Allister – 2), with three in total, showing how much trouble he was giving the visitors when he picked up the ball.
In total, Liverpool attempted 50 crosses, their most in a Premier League game since recording 54 against Blackburn Rovers exactly 13 years prior (26 December 2011), with Gakpo putting in seven of his own on Thursday. Only Alexander-Arnold (17) and Andrew Robertson (12) attempted more crosses.
It has been an interesting development to see Slot use Díaz as the central attacker in moments, given it was Gakpo who played there more often under Jürgen Klopp. Gakpo has almost entirely been used on the left side of the attack this season so far.
Klopp even played him in central midfield on occasion last season, though admitted in February this year that the unfamiliar role hadn’t helped the player find his best form. “Cody had a bit of a struggle in between the seasons, it was more my fault,” Klopp said at the time. “We spoke about can ‘Cody play a midfield position for us?’ Yes, he can in different moments. Is it his position? I would say no.
He is flying now, though. It was Gakpo’s form in his predominant position on the left for PSV that convinced Liverpool to sign him in January 2023 in the first place, while he also thrived there for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 in the summer, so it is perhaps no surprise to see him doing well there now.
He may have only started 15 games, but no Liverpool player has made as many as Gakpo’s 26 appearances in all competitions this season. Only Salah (34) has more goal involvements for Liverpool than Gakpo’s 14 in all competitions in 2024-25, while only Salah (44) has created more chances from open play for the Reds than Gakpo’s 33.
The Dutchman is also involved in open play shot-ending attacking sequences more often per 90 minutes in all competitions this season (min. 360 minutes played) than any other Liverpool teammate, with his rate of 7.4 per 90 even ahead of Salah (7.0).
Gakpo has 33 goals and 12 assists in 105 games in almost two years with the Merseyside club, and it feels like under Slot, he could well continue to improve and become a key figure in a team that looks likely to challenge for the biggest honours this season.
One CF is always injured and one CF is, well, 'different'.
Noticed that - he often seems to be the one to open the floodgates. A valuable quality.
Jota has it too.
Meanwhile, Cheesy wasn't even on the bench. Again. LOL.
What's the deal with this fella ?
One min you see him, and the next he's disappeared again. He's clearly a quality player but he's always sick !
Can't someone inject him with some horse placenta or something ?
What's the deal with this fella ?
One min you see him, and the next he's disappeared again. He's clearly a quality player but he's always sick !
Can't someone inject him with some horse placenta or something ?
Posted elsewhere, Slot said no issue just needed more training.
Slot said there's nothing new, he still needs to work on his fitness. It's like we've signed someone from a US fat camp.
Gakpo is quickly becoming my favourite forward. I love that Diaz is showing the versatility we need, as he seems better able to adapt to move around the front line. Gakpo needs routine, and he is looking imperious on the wing. His passing is getting better and better too - that ball for Mo early in the game yesterday was one of the best passes any of our players have made this season.
I like that Slot isn't afraid to promote Danns ahead of him on the bench. I'm really excited to see Danns feature in one or both of the cup games.
6 months and still unfit ?
If you put me 6 months in Kirkby, with all the world class facilities and coaches, i'd be fit enough for the SAS.
I thought Italians are tough gladiators, but we seem to get all the soft rejects.
There must be something mental there - he isn't willing to push himself or get out of his comfort zone. Or he's dumb as shit and can't implement Slot's way of playing for a trustworthy amount of time.
At this stage, I'd offload in Jan. He's not worth the money we are paying him.
Think you are right - isn't it beautiful when all our front men score ?
I have supported Nunez as much as I can in the last 2 seasons - and if anything last season we lost the title because of our finishing and loss of form from all our forwards. But I agree with you - if an option comes up now - we really should release him - even the chaos is gone from him - the only good thing he does now is the occasional good layoff to the wingmen otherwise he is just terrible right now. From yesterday - he don't score the chances that Diaz ,and Jota put away and definitely not the one that Mo put away.
Fabinho and Robertson's early days under Klopp comes to mind - obviously not similar situation in terms of fitness issues but similarity in terms of us having the "luxury" to bed players in instead of requiring them to contribute straight away. If Slot and his staff indeed have good plans for getting Chiesa up to speed, I'm patient enough to see how he can (increasingly) contribute in the 2nd half of the season.
His lack of availability could cost us with Salah, who is doing a lot of full 90s
LOL i was talking about Chiesa
Both are beyond useless.
At least donkey can pass the bleep test
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