The Gakpo conundrum facing Liverpool

The Gakpo conundrum facing LiverpoolImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Cody Gakpo has scored five World Cup goals in seven games for the NetherlandsByAadam PatelLiverpool reporterPublished2 minutes agoCommentsIn the aftermath of scoring twice for the Netherlands against Sweden, Cody Gakpo was asked about his role for his country compared with how he is deployed at Liverpool."A good question. Obviously it's a little bit different," Gakpo responded. "It's different where the coach wants me to be, the freedom that I have," he added, before stopping himself from saying any more.Those latest World Cup goals for Gakpo came in a week when Liverpool have signed another winger that primarily plays down the left - Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m.The Reds have also expressed interest in paying a package of £86m to RB Leipzig for highly rated 19-year-old forward Yan Diomande, who can play on both wings.So what do the possible arrival of two players who can play in Gakpo's position mean for the 27-year-old's future at Anfield?Liverpool sign Munoz and offer £86m for DiomandePublished6 days agoHow does Gakpo fit in at Liverpool?In Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot in 2024-25, Gakpo scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across 49 games in all competitions.It led to him signing a long-term deal at Anfield last summer, which by all accounts he was extremely happy to do.Last season however, despite playing three more matches, his numbers fell to nine goals and six assists.During a difficult campaign, he was far from the only Liverpool player to be below par, but he will know those numbers will have to improve. Gakpo prefers to play down the left but 2025-26 showed his link-up with Milos Kerkez needs work, particularly in exploiting the full-back's overlapping runs.Their understanding improved as the season progressed and with Kerkez now reunited with his old manager from Bournemouth in Andoni Iraola, th...