"The better option..." - Former Liverpool defender names the player Klopp should have signed instead of Gakpo

Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes Jurgen Klopp should have signed Leandro Trossard instead of Cody Gakpo this winter.

Gakpo joined the Reds in January from PSV for a fee in the region of £37million after he scored three goals at the World Cup in Qatar.

He was added to help provide extra firepower in attack during the absence of the inured Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Roberto Firmino.

However, the 23-year-old has struggled to translate his prolific form to the Premier League, failing to score in his first six outings.

But the Dutchman turned up when it mattered most, notching his first goal in the Merseyside derby on Monday to ensure a 2-0 victory over local rivals Everton.

"I have my doubts"

Enrique acknowledged Gakpo's improved performance against the Toffees. However, the Spaniard maintains that Klopp should have looked elsewhere, suggesting Trossard would have been a better use of funds.

"Cody Gakpo played a lot better against Everton as a false 9, but the problem is who is going to play there because Diogo Jota and Luiz Diaz will be back," Enrique told Genting Casino.

"They will have about three options in those attacking positions - which is a good problem for the manager. As for him becoming a World Class player, I have my doubts.

"I think Cody Gakpo is a good player but they spent a lot of money on him. I guess he was the right player at the right time but time will tell.

"For me personally, Leandro Trossard was the better option for me despite the fact he is an older player. Arsenal were lucky to get an experienced player in Jorginho, too."

Trossard joined Arsenal from Brighton in a deal worth £27million last month after they were beaten to the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk by Chelsea.

Some fans considered the 28-year-old to be past his best. However, Enrique has dismissed the claims, suggesting he has plenty more in the tank.

"I am tired with the obsession of age," Enrique continued. "Premier League clubs are only thinking about age at the moment. If you are a top team - you should be able to sign a decent 28-year-old player who can play at a decent level for about 3-4 years and when the time comes, re-invest.

"For me, Gakpo was a good signing because he is young, had good numbers and has experience internationally. Hopefully I am wrong about Trossard being the better signing, but I see Gakpo more as a false nine rather than a winger."

Topics: Jose Enrique, Liverpool, Cody Gakpo, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno