Former Everton man tries to pull strings at Liverpool with message to Arne Slot

Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman has told Liverpool that Cody Gakpo’s best position is on the left wing. The Dutch forward has not had a settled position at Anfield, contributing to some inconsistent form since his 2022 switch from PSV.

Gakpo has been one of the stars of Euro 2024 for Koeman’s Netherlands team. The Liverpool man has scored three goals in four appearances at the tournament.

His excellent performances have come on the left of a three-man attack. Of his 53 appearances for Liverpool last season, 27 of them came as a centre-forward. Gakpo started only 12 of them as a left-winger.

But Koeman is sure he is playing Gakpo in his preferred position. “First, his position is on the left side,” the experienced Dutch coach said.

“Because he is really dangerous if he comes one-against-one with the right full-back. Inside, outside, he has his qualities, he’s strong.

“He’s playing at a great level at this tournament. He’s maybe the [most] important player until now, and I hope that the rest can come to that level.”

Koeman added: “Yes, he can play as a striker, but he has shown today that he’s most dangerous from the left side.”

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp tended to favour Gakpo through the middle of his attack. It is unclear where the 25-year-old will be used by incoming head coach Arne Slot.

Gakpo struck 16 goals across all competitions last season and his improved form in the final third of the campaign secured his spot in Koeman’s preferred 11. The former PSV star has thanked people at Liverpool for helping him overcome tough periods.

“Those moments are normal for a player, it’s not always going very well and going the way you like,” he said during a Euro 2024 press conference.

“Sometimes you have a spell [where] things don’t go your way but, to be honest, I have a great team at Liverpool, great people that always are there for me and for everybody when you have those moments.

“They kept believing in me, kept helping me with everything. I think the last, I don’t know how many, games of the season at the club I played also good games.

“I just took that with me and kept working very hard. I’m very happy that I can be of value for the team.”