Ex-Manchester United defender tells Liverpool how to use forward after Cody Gakpo makes big admission

Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikel Silvestre has claimed Liverpool have failed to get the best out of Cody Gakpo at club level.

His quotes come after the Dutchman exited Euro 2024 in the semi-finals as the competition’s joint top-scorer. He netted three goals across the tournament, including the winner to complete a comeback against Turkey in the quarter-finals.

Yet, for Liverpool, he has often failed to establish himself as a leading man having to compete with the quality of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez for one of two roles - the left-sided attacker or central striker. Reflected in his 17 starts in the league last season, his Euros performances have staked a claim to play off the left wing next season under new boss Arne Slot, who favours a narrow front three which would suit Gakpo.

Speaking to bettingexpert.com, Silvestre suggested that Liverpool have failed to get the best out of Gakpo at club level after a season and a half at Anfield. “The dynamic at Liverpool is different. The momentum hasn’t been consistent and he’s been playing different positions. Centre-forward, right side, left side.

“And we can see that with the national side, starting on the left side and using his pace to go inside or outside of the right back, he looks extremely comfortable in that position. That’s why I think for Liverpool he wasn’t able to express his full potential last season and be consistent for them. Gakpo has been in and out of form so to be a top performer at the Euros you need to be there at every minute of every game.”

In fact, Gakpo has explained his best position and where he feels the most comfortable and the 25-year-old has already told fans where he wants to play. “I will play on the left wing at this tournament. I also played a lot as a striker at Liverpool. I have always been a left winger. That has always been my preference. But in the past year and a half, the coach has needed me in other positions and then you have to be ready. I have tried to do that as best I could.”