The Gakpo conundrum facing Liverpool

Cody Gakpo has scored five World Cup goals in seven games for the Netherlands

In 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 atLiverpool.

"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 whenLiverpoolhave signed another winger. 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 Diomande

InLiverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot in 2024-25, Gakpo scored 18 goals. 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 onlyLiverpoolplayer to be below par,. he will know those numbers will have to improve.

Gakpo prefers to play down the left. 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. with Kerkez now reunited with his old manager fromBournemouthin Andoni Iraola, the Hungary left-back will be expected to accelerate his development next season.

That could be good news for Gakpo.

With 50 goals in 180 appearances. Gakpo is only the second Dutchman after Dirk Kuyt to reach a half-century forLiverpooland has usually been first choice when fit.

Liverpoolstill view him as a proven attacker in the Premier League who can function in different ways,. given Hugo Ekitike could be missing until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles, his versatility in being able to play centrally offers options for Iraola.

Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, at least one more attacking signing is expected at Anfield this summer -. the pursuit of Diomande is heating up.

Talented teenager Rio Ngumoha is also set to play a more prominent role, while Florian Wirtz played off the left forLiverpoolat times last season. is featuring there for Germany in the World Cup.

How Iraola views Wirtz's best position might well determine the future for Gakpo in the new head coach's blueprint.

Added competition could allow Gakpo to thrive, as it did when Luis Diaz was atLiverpool.

However. for the first time since joiningLiverpoolin December 2022, there is the possibility of a move away, with a number of clubs includingTottenham Hotspurmonitoring his situation.

Any transfer would likely to cost upwards of £60m - a big profit considering Gakpo cost an initial £35m when signing from PSV Eindhoven after the World Cup in 2022.

His goals against Swedenon Sunday offered a timely reminder of his quality. particularly in a game where club team-mate Alexander Isak failed to score.

The first was a simple tap-in as he arrived at the back post while the second was a trademark cut in from the left before drilling home a right-footed shot.

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Watch Cody Gakpo's second goal against Sweden

Those close to the Dutch national team speak of a unified squad and. after a difficult domestic season, Gakpo has started the tournament impressively.

His World Cup record - including the 2022 tournament - is impressive, with five goals in seven games. Twenty-three goals across 52 international caps in total since his debut five years ago bears further testimony to his quality.

For now. his focus is entirely on the national team, where he also plays an important role off the pitch too in helping fellow Christians within the squad.

"Cody is our pastor - he leads the prayers," said Crysencio Summerville.

Netherlands andLiverpoolcaptain Virgil van Dijk needs no convincing of Gakpo's qualities on the pitch.

"He is an outstanding footballer," he said after the 5-1 win over Sweden. "He works so hard for the team, he's disciplined. his quality stands out - his crosses, his assists, his goals."

Continuing to impress at the World Cup may well enhanceLiverpool's desire to retain Gakpo for at least another season.

One need only consider the relative struggles of Isak. Wirtz in their debut campaigns at Anfield to be reminded of just how challenging it can be for new signings.

But as Iraola andLiverpool's recruitment team reshapes an attack that laboured last season. the Gakpo conundrum is one to keep an eye on this summer.

Tunisia v Netherlands

Friday, 26 June 00:00 BST

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