Cody Gakpo Delighted with Arne Slot’s Tactical Change at Liverpool
Cody Gakpo has expressed his satisfaction with a key adjustment made by Arne Slot since taking over from Jurgen Klopp last summer.
While Slot has largely maintained the successful approach of his predecessor, he has introduced a more patient build-up style and altered Liverpool’s formation. One notable change has been Gakpo’s return to his natural left-sided position, a shift from the central striker role he frequently played under Klopp.
Gakpo Thriving in His Preferred Position
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League fixture, the 25-year-old welcomed the decision, emphasizing that playing out wide brings out the best in him.
“Now I’m back on the left side, which is the biggest change in my favor,” Gakpo said. “That’s where I played in the Netherlands, and it suits me best. When I arrived at Liverpool, I was often used as a central striker, which was new to me. It took time to adapt, but I’m very happy to be back on the left. That’s the most significant change the manager has made for me.”
Gakpo Excelling on the Left Flank
Although Gakpo performed well as a center-forward, scoring 18 goals in 52 games (averaging one every 2.89 matches), his return to the left has been even more productive. Since Slot’s tactical adjustment, he has netted 17 times in 43 appearances, improving his scoring rate to a goal every 2.53 games.
His strong performances have been so convincing that, even when Diogo Jota was unavailable, Slot opted to move Luis Díaz into the No. 9 role rather than shift Gakpo back to the center. The Dutchman has rewarded this decision with 14 goals and five assists in 32 matches this season, making him Liverpool’s second-highest scorer behind Mohamed Salah.
With Gakpo flourishing on the left, he has firmly established himself in his preferred position, proving to be a key asset for Slot’s Liverpool.