Liverpool’s Sports Team Analyzes Draw Against Newcastle and Gakpo’s Future
The BBC Radio Merseyside sports team delves into Liverpool’s recent draw with Newcastle in a fresh feature for this season. Analysts Paul Salt, Chris Coughlin, and Mike Hughes share their insights on the match and the tributes to Kevin Keegan, while also addressing their interaction with Reds manager Andoni Iraola.
This week’s discussion centers around Cody Gakpo’s future, weighing whether Liverpool should retain or sell the adaptable forward. Hughes noted, “In the title-winning season, I thought Gakpo was really good. I know the manager could alternate down that side with Luis Diaz and Liverpool had a much stronger squad at that time, but Liverpool cannot afford to sell him because he’s the only potent striker they have if something happens to Alexander Isak.”
Hughes expressed cautious optimism about Isak’s injury concerns, stating, “Isak’s injury nightmare is hopefully over, but he is still trying to find his feet. That, alongside a lack of major contributions from Florian Wirtz, is the underlying reason Liverpool are not causing damage at the top of the end of the pitch.”
Salt added that Gakpo performs “at his best when he had pressure on his place,” recalling that he thrived under competition two seasons ago. He concluded with the outlook for Gakpo’s role: “If we get the players that are rumored, then there will be pressure on his place.”
Fans can engage further by tuning in for more analysis by playing the feature below or listen on BBC Sounds here.
The BBC Radio Merseyside sport team takes you behind the scenes of Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle in a new feature for this season.
Paul Salt, Chris Coughlin and Mike Hughes talk through their views of the game and the Kevin Keegan tributes, and discuss what it’s like to come face to face with Reds boss Andoni Iraola.
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This week they discuss Cody Gakpo’s future and whether Liverpool should keep or sell the versatile forward.
Hughes said: “In the title winning season, I thought Gakpo was really good.
“I know the manager could alternate down that side with Luis Diaz and Liverpool had a much stronger squad at that time, but Liverpool cannot afford to sell him because he’s the only potent striker that they have if something happens to Alexander Isak.
“Isak’s injury nightmare is hopefully over, but he is still trying to find his feet.
“That alongside a lack of major contribution from Florian Wirtz is the underlying reason Liverpool are not causing damage at the top of the end of the pitch.”
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Salt addded that Gakpo was “at his best when he had pressure on his place” as “that’s when he thrived” two seasons ago.
He concluded: “If we get the players that are rumoured, then there will be pressure on his place.”
Hit play below or listen on BBC Sounds here
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