Michael Brown says Cody Gakpo secured a January transfer to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool from PSV at the ‘wrong time’, as he told Stadium Astro.
The former Premier League midfielder added that Gakpo, who is yet to score or assist from his six games in Liverpool colours, is still part of a ‘wonderful group of players’ that are struggling.
The Reds are sitting tenth in the Premier League table and, over the weekend, they were knocked to the floor again, this time a 3-0 defeat at Wolves.
Gakpo started that game, but once again, the fragilities of the midfield, defence and lack of ball retention without the ball resulted in the team being 2-0 down in next to no time.
That doesn’t help the forward’s cause because he’s not exactly joined a thriving camp, but one in a real spot of bother.
Nonetheless, former Spurs and Leeds midfielder Michael Brown spoke about Liverpool’s situation.
“You talk about recruitment and investment, it’s the midfield area which is being questioned,” said Brown. “Who is going to sign? Who is going to be that marquee midfield player? They still have some good midfield players. Some of them are running slightly aged, as you would say.
“But, a wonderful group of players, still. Cody Gakpo, spending money in the January transfer window. He’s come in at the wrong time. They just seem really shot on confidence and everyone is capitalising on it.”
GAKPO NEEDS TIME
The 23-year-old will feel like he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders because, before the £60k-a-week star (Spotrac) can even get comfortable in his surroundings, he is already feeling the pressure.
It’s understandable why this is happening because of the club’s form, rather than his lack of quality.
But, with patience and working with Klopp and Co. on the training field, then he will come good, even if it’s next season.
That doesn’t help Liverpool’s cause because they are sitting in tenth and in danger of finishing outside of the top six and they need players performing right now.
But that’s what happens when you spend money on a forward, rather than a much-needed midfielder during the January transfer window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
