Cody Gakpo started as part of a midfield three in a 1-0 win for Liverpool over Brentford on Saturday - and may have handed manager Jurgen Klopp a transfer dilemma in the process.
The 24-year-old, who moved to Anfield from PSV in January, initially started his Reds career on the left of a front three before moving infield to centre forward.
Gakpo has six goals and two assists to his name in 18 appearances since his arrival in England, proving Liverpool’s £35 million outlay on bringing him in to be correct.
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The move also solved a major problem for Klopp, with the Reds in desperate need of depth in their frontline amid injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
Gakpo’s versatility was another factor behind his signing, with the forward able to play in any role across the front three - much like former Reds star Sadio Mane.
But Liverpool’s win over Brentford showed once again that the Dutchman has prowess in a deeper role as well.
Gakpo's Liverpool role change
Gakpo started on the right of a midfield three at Anfield, alongside Fabinho and Curtis Jones. He stayed there for 73 minutes, with Jordan Henderson’s emergence onto the field in place of Jota changing his role.
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The Dutchman put in a solid display, showcasing his off-the-ball movement and physicality when in possession, as well as his ability to drive Liverpool up the pitch on occasion.
The Reds are in need of fresh impetus in their midfield this summer, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all likely to leave on free transfers.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that they are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister - a much-needed addition in the centre of the pitch.
But Gakpo’s versatility does present Klopp with a problem he needs to solve this summer. With Liverpool having five senior attackers contracted to the club for next season - and youngster Fabio Carvalho - the German boss will need to decide on whether Gakpo in midfield is a solution to be used again in the upcoming campaign, or whether it is simply a means to an end given a current lack of midfield options.
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If the latter, Liverpool could well do more midfield business, other than Mac Allister, when the window opens next month.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Chris Stading/Andrew Orchard sports photography/Alamy Live newsTopics: Liverpool, Cody Gakpo, Brentford, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Transfers