No one seems able to ignore it: Cody Gakpo was the man of the match on Thursday evening for Liverpool against Leicester City. The Dutchman showcased his class with a stunning goal just before halftime.
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Cody Gakpo's performance against Leicester City on Thursday evening has left the British media singing his praises, with several outlets unanimously naming him as the Man of the Match. The Dutch forward delivered a standout performance for Liverpool, highlighted by a spectacular curling goal just before halftime.
Among the media applauding Gakpo’s efforts, The Daily Mail emphasized his impact during a challenging first half for Liverpool. "Liverpool was subpar in the first half, but Gakpo seemed to be the one wanting to make things happen, and he did just that with a beautiful, curling finish right before halftime," the outlet noted. They further remarked on his near-misses: "He deserved a second but was ruled offside and also saw a header narrowly miss the target."
Similarly, Goal lauded Gakpo, describing him as "The Flying Dutchman," a player who is currently unstoppable. "A brilliant goal, while his pace and strength caused defenders to be sent one way while he went the other," the publication observed, emphasizing his ability to dominate the game with both skill and physicality.
Other respected outlets, including Sky Sports and the BBC, gave Gakpo the highest ratings for the match, though without offering extensive commentary. However, Liverpool Echo provided a deeper analysis of the player's evolving role under Jürgen Klopp. "Klopp didn’t quite know what to do with Gakpo at first. Sometimes a left winger, other times a striker, occasionally an attacking midfielder. Now, Gakpo is firmly back in the position where he made his mark at PSV in the Eredivisie, and he has never been as influential at Liverpool in the past two years as he is now," the publication elaborated.
Gakpo's performance not only secured him individual accolades but also reflected his growing influence within Liverpool's squad. After a period of adjustment following his move from PSV Eindhoven, Gakpo now appears to have found his stride. Positioned in his most effective role, he’s becoming a crucial player for Liverpool, delivering performances that combine flair, determination, and a clinical edge in front of goal.
The match against Leicester showcased all these qualities. Despite Liverpool’s initial struggles, Gakpo took charge, injecting energy and creativity into the game. His goal, a curling strike just before halftime, was a moment of brilliance that turned the tide in Liverpool's favor. It wasn’t just the finish that impressed, but also the movement and awareness leading up to it, as Gakpo created space and executed a precise shot.
Beyond the goal, his overall contribution stood out. Whether holding up play, pressing defenders, or creating opportunities, Gakpo’s performance was a masterclass in versatility and determination. It’s no surprise that the media has been quick to recognize his brilliance, as he continues to establish himself as one of Liverpool’s key attacking threats.
As Liverpool push forward in the season, performances like this from Gakpo will be instrumental in their quest for success. For now, the Dutchman has firmly cemented his place as a fan favorite and a media darling, with Thursday’s match serving as a reminder of his immense talent and potential.
Updated: 11:05, 27 Dec 2024
