Gakpo's Dutch Delight Highlights Liverpool Puzzle

Cody Gakpo has been one of the standouts for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, reminding everyone of the talent that convinced Liverpool to sign him from PSV Eindhoven. His performances in the group stage and knockout rounds have shown his ability to influence games from the left flank or through the middle. Yet back at Anfield, the picture is far more complicated.

Liverpool's forward line is stacked with elite options. Mohamed Salah is the undisputed star on the right, while Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota all offer different threats. Gakpo arrived in January 2023 and initially struggled for consistency, often deployed out of position. The competition for places is fierce, and with Jürgen Klopp's departure and a new manager incoming, uncertainty looms.

Gakpo's versatility is both a blessing and a curse. He can play as a winger, a second striker, or even a central forward. However, that jack-of-all-trades label sometimes means he is the first to be rotated when the fixture list piles up. At the Euros, he has been the focal point of the Dutch attack, thriving with freedom and confidence. That suggests that with a defined role, he can be world-class.

The question for Liverpool is whether they can guarantee him that role. With Díaz and Núñez also needing minutes, and the emergence of Harvey Elliott, the squad depth is a double-edged sword. If Gakpo continues to impress on the international stage, he may push for a more prominent role or even seek a move elsewhere to secure regular football.

For the Reds, managing this conundrum is crucial. A player in top form is an asset, but only if he is content and integrated. The new manager—likely Arne Slot, given the rumors—will need to find a system that maximizes Gakpo's strengths. Could a shift to a more fluid front three unlock his potential? Or will a sale fund other targets? The next few months will be defining.