Cesc Fabregas has delivered a damning verdict on one of Liverpool’s key attackers.
Liverpool are preparing for life under a new manager following Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down after a brilliant nine years on Merseyside.
Former Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is the man who has been chosen to replace Klopp at Anfield and the Dutchman has been tasked to get the best out of the players at his disposal.
One of these players is forward Cody Gakpo, who has had a mixed time at Anfield since his move to the club from PSV during January of 2023.
Fabregas delivers brutal Gakpo put down
Cesc Fabregas has been on punditry duty during the 2024 European Championships held in Germany.
Following Netherlands’ 0-0 draw against France, the first goalless draw of the competition, the former Spanish midfielder had some harsh words to say about Gakpo.
On BBC Sport’s coverage of the game, Fabregas said of Gakpo: “I think he is a functional player what I have seen of him at Liverpool.
“It seems to me that he is a type of player who needs to be told constantly what to do, but he has got great ability.
“He is not the most creative player, but he is dangerous, he has got an eye for goal, he has good movement, he attacks well the space.”
Gakpo has looked much more assured for his national team than he has does for Liverpool so far but the hope will be that fellow countryman Slot will get the best out of him.
Slot key to getting the best out of Gakpo
The Dutchman is certainly a versatile attacker as he can play across the forward line and even can play deeper if needs must.
Gakpo looks better for Liverpool when playing as a striker as the Dutchman has the ability and physique to be able to play with his back to goal and assist his teammates.
For Slot, the Dutch manager certainly has prior experience of getting the best out of strikers with Mexican forward Santiago Gimenez, who HITC have been told is a striker option for Tottenham Hotspur, being the best example during his time in Feyenoord.
Last season, for example, the Mexican striker had an outstanding season for the Dutch giants as he scored 26 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
Slot could be the exact type of manager that Gakpo needs next season.
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