The Telegraph have reported that Pep Ljinders advocated for 3 out of the 4 last major signings made by Liverpool: Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and now Cody Gakpo.
Dutch football expert, Haans Kraay Jr. had told ESPN that Ljinders felt Gakpo was the club’s “missing link.”
With the Dutchman signing for Liverpool in the January transfer window, it is clear to see that Liverpool’s assistant manager has a big say on the recruitment.
Unfortunately for the Reds, their recent signings have been hit-and-miss.
For starters, Darwin Nunez has been an abomination in his start to life in a Liverpool shirt.
While Nunez offers plenty of threat going forward, he has missed a staggering 15 out of 19 chances in the Premier League; a stat, which cannot be justified by any metric for a striker.
Luis Diaz has impressed since his arrival, but his constant injuries coupled with his lack of end product do not make him the ideal successor to Sadio Mane to say the least.
And with Cody Gakpo, the question remains whether he even gets into a full-strength Reds XI.
Ljinders called for the signings of Diaz, Nunez and Gakpo
A new report by the Telegraph has claimed that barring Ibrahima Konate, Pep Ljinders has advocated the arrivals of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo for Liverpool.
For context, that is as high as 3 out of the 4 major coups made the club in two seasons.
In Konate’s case, Jurgen Klopp and Co. were convinced he would be a success, as the Red Bull Group has produced players in the past that have succeeded at Anfield.
The worry is not Ljinders calling the shots but the Liverpool recruitment as a whole
Ultimately, the messenger is never a topic of conversation if the message is right on the money.
In the case of the recruitment at Liverpool two seasons running, the same cannot be said.
While Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have certainly brought quality to the side, it would be a stretch to suggest that Pep Ljinders discovered two smash successes.
As for Cody Gakpo, the scepticism about his ability to shine at Liverpool is understandable.
Whether it be Ljinders or any other advocate for new signings, the recruitment must improve at the club if they wish to stay at the top.
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