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Jermain Defoe has voiced his agreement with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher over the influence of Cody Gakpo.
This season has seen Liverpool produce a mixed bag of performances, while the early stages brought wins, some came despite lackluster displays.
The Reds recent struggles highlighted just how inconsistent Arne Slot’s side have been. However, the nightmare run of four consecutive defeats in all competitions came to an emphatic end with a 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Gakpo was a standout once again, scoring the goal that gave Liverpool a 4-1 lead in Frankfurt and moving him into second place in the club’s top scorer standings for the season. His strike marked his fourth goal of the campaign, putting him ahead of Mohamed Salah.
Remarkably, it was Gakpo’s third consecutive game finding the net, having scored against Chelsea and Manchester United either side of the international break, demonstrating his growing impact in the side.
Carragher was quick to commend the Dutchman’s performance after the win in Germany, noting that it brought his overall Liverpool goal tally to 45 in 140 appearances. Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, the former Liverpool defender said: "I should just mention Gakpo because he probably doesn’t get the praise other players get.
"He’s not a superstar but he consistently scores goals for Liverpool and he has done since he came to the club.”
The Dutchman has already racked up seven goal contributions across all competitions for Slot’s side and has started most games on the left wing this season due to his consistency.
Former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has also spoken about his admiration for the player’s role in Liverpool’s setup.
Speaking to Premier League Productions’ Team Talks, Defoe described the 26-year-old as “amazing” for the team, highlighting the impact he has had on the Reds’ performances this season.
Defoe said: “I mean the recruitment and the signings, you know, Gakpo, I love Gakpo. I think that he’s, you know, he’s a match-winner and he’s an amazing player. Isak has come to the building for a lot of money. Probably expects to play but he’s not up to speed. Ekitike for me is the best signing and he should play. I think he’s got like seven goals.”
Amid the spotlight on summer signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak, as well as Salah’s unusually dry spell in front of goal, the Dutch winger’s contributions have perhaps gone under-appreciated.
While his recent performances may not have always been eye-catching, he came agonizingly close to making history with four goals against Manchester United last Sunday, only to be denied three times by the woodwork.
Liverpool’s number 18 has shown consistent form in recent matches, and if he maintains this level, surpassing last season’s tally of 18 goals this campaign is well within reach.
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