Michael Owen gives blunt assessment on Cody Gakpo credentials ahead of Arsenal game

The Dutchman may have to operate in a no.9 role once again at the Emirates on Thursday due to the injuries of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. Owen thinks that is a concern for his former side

Michael Owen does not think Cody Gakpo has what it takes to be Liverpool's regular center forward

Michael Owen does not believe Cody Gakpo is capable of playing as a regular no.9 for Liverpool and has admitted his performance against Fulham left the ex-Red “pulling his hair out”.

Gakpo, nominally a winger, was deployed in a central role during the Premier League trip to Fulham last weekend and could be in line to do so again at the Emirates on Thursday night. Hugo Ekitike’s injury, coupled with the long-term absence of Alexander Isak, means the Reds may be without any fit strikers once again for the clash against Arsenal.

Owen, one of Liverpool’s most prolific goalscorers of recent times, feels Gakpo offers an “adequate replacement” but thinks he lacks the instincts of a center forward.

“He can do a job,” said Owen, speaking exclusively to Liverpool.com via Casino.org, where he is UK ambassador.

“Obviously, he scored a good goal [against Fulham]. “It was one or two occasions when I was pulling my hair out; I'm thinking he should have done something else.

“He can be an adequate replacement while people are out injured or whatever. But no, he's not a natural centre forward.”

Gakpo is expected to play as a central striker against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool is not blessed with options heading to Arsenal on Thursday. Isak is part of an injury list that contains Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo, along with the doubtful Ekitike. Mohamed Salah is also unavailable due to his commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning that despite the Reds’ £450 million ($608M) outlay last summer, the attack currently looks light.

But Owen has some sympathy for his former club. “Liverpool struggled offensively against Leeds and Fulham. With more injuries, it was difficult for them,” he opined.

“It’s also difficult with no real pace up front - who'd have thought it? Everybody spoke about how Liverpool were buying so many players and they've spent so much money.

“However, you get one player away on international duty and a couple of injuries, and all of a sudden you've not got a center forward, you've not got those options that you probably require.”

Michael Owen has sympathy for Arne Slot's lack of attacking options(Image: Getty Images)

The 46-year-old also suggested another Liverpool player who could operate as a stand-in striker.

“You could say [Jeremie] Frimpong can play that centre forward role reasonably naturally, but in general, I'd say he's a wing-back,” said Owen.

“So you're pushing him into a position that he wouldn't normally play for Liverpool, let's say. You wouldn't be playing [Florian] Wirtz as a center forward or off the left, ideally. I think he's a no.10, really.

“So you're pushing a few players into positions that maybe that's not their best. Despite spending a couple of hundred million on attacking players, it's mad.

“But that's how injuries go. That's how football goes, and they're going to have to make the best of it.”