Paul Merson has praised Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo in SportsKeeda for his performance against Everton at Anfield in the Merseyside derby this week, and has predicted Jurgen Klopp’s side to drop points against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park this weekend.
Liverpool got the better of Everton 2-0 at Anfield in the Premier League on Monday evening.
Netherlands international forward Gakpo scored the Reds in the 49th minute in the Premier League game.
It was one of the best performances from the £120,000-a-week forward (Football Insider) for Liverpool since his move from PSV in the January transfer window.
Gakpo grew in confidence after he scored the goal and ended up as one of the best players on the pitch.
And Merson was impressed.
The former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit has said that Gakpo looked different, noting that he was going past Everton players with ease.
However, Merson does not think that Liverpool will win against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Magpies are fourth in the league table at the moment with 41 points from 22 matches.
Meanwhile, the Merseyside club currently find themselves as low as ninth with 32 points from 21 games.
Paul Merson on Cody Gakpo and Newcastle United v Liverpool
Merson wrote: “This is a massive game. Liverpool are back to their high-tempo style of play, and they’re closing down very well. Some of their players played very well against Everton. They’re not at their best yet, but they’re getting there.
“This is such a hard game to call. Liverpool are in for a big few days – and they’ll face Real Madrid after their Premier League game against Newcastle. The Champions League is their last chance to win a trophy. A draw here doesn’t really help them, to be honest. They’ll need to win this match.
“Cody Gakpo looked like a different player after he scored his goal. As a professional footballer, if there’s one thing you can bottle up and keep forever, it’s confidence. After Gakpo scored his goals, he was steaming past players. I’d play him this weekend alongside Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah.
“Newcastle are a solid team, but they’re not winning many football matches. If Liverpool win this game, they’ve got every chance of making it into the Premier League top four. I think this game will end in a draw – it suits Newcastle, but it doesn’t suit Liverpool.”
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