Cody Gakpo became the successful focus of the attack for Liverpool last season - but has underwhelmed as an emergency midfielder so far this campaign
Cody Gakpo had already made a happy habit of stepping up on the big occasion for Liverpool. So when Bayern Munich were the opposition in Singapore earlier this month, he didn't waste any time.
While his performance against Bayern came as the spearhead of the attack - from where he made 15 of his 17 Premier League starts having arrived midway through last season from PSV Eindhoven - earlier in the summer the lack of midfield options meant he was on the left of the engine room triumvirate.READ MORE: Liverpool are about to confirm exciting plan after Alexis Mac Allister change
The numbers suggest the midfield role has been restricting Gakpo's natural game. In both matches, while the fact no Liverpool starter had fewer touches was explained in part by his early substitution, the Holland international's impact at the business end was hampered with a combined two key passes and no shots on target. In 50 club games for PSV and Liverpool last season, Gakpo boasted 20 goals and 20 assists.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Man City face fresh Kalvin Phillips issue amid Liverpool interestKalvin Phillips had started his summer determined to stay at Manchester City, but will he still be at the club in a fortnight?
Read more »
Thousands of stem cell donors sign up to help Liverpool babyThree-month-old Francis has acute myeloid leukaemia and is in urgent need of a stem cell transplant.
Read more »
Liverpool transfer news live - Manu Kone warning, Kalvin Phillips eyedLiverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including the latest on Manu Kone, Kalvin Phillips, Cheick Doucoure, Sofyan Amrabat and more
Read more »
Fourth midfielder and centre-back answer - realistic end to Liverpool windowLiverpool are seeking a fourth signing of the summer but that may not be the only transfer business before the window closes on September 1
Read more »
Inside former Liverpool ballroom before it was transformedIt welcomed generations of people down the years
Read more »
Kalvin Phillips has made his feelings on Liverpool transfer clear after Jurgen Klopp 'plan' for midfielderManchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is being linked with a move to Liverpool.
Read more »