07 March 2023 , 09:49
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If Liverpool fans needed an introduction to how life could be without Roberto Firmino, they got their wish and the perfect example after the Reds' produced a scintillating performance against Manchester United.
The Brazilian is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract in June after eight years at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp confirmed the news in his post-United interview with Firmino now set to move on, having scored 108 goals in 354 appearances during his time at the club so far, winning four major trophies.
Although Firmino has been key part of Liverpool's success over the past decade, he has played a sparring role in recent weeks following the arrival of Cody Gakpo. The Dutch ace has been tipped to be Firmino's replacement in the false-nine, central role across the front three, having played that position regularly for PSV.
Gakpo, who can also operate from the left-hand side, showed exactly why he is being backed for that role after his display against United. There were some doubts about his place in the XI before the game as Gakpo had scored just twice in 12 previous appearances - but he no doubt repaid Klopp's faith after netting a brace at Anfield.
His first was a cool, calm finish. After being played through by Andy Robertson, Gakpo took a touch to come inside on to his favoured right foot, before bending the ball into the far corner. Then his second was arguably even better, as the Netherlands international dinked the ball over the onrushing David de Gea from a tight angle.
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Cody Gakpo celebrates at Anfield (Getty Images)In his post-match assessment, Jamie Carragher had nothing but praise to heap on Gakpo's shoulders as the forward put in a superb performance against United. "I wanted [Diogo] Jota and [Stefan] Bajcetic," he said. "But I think Klopp got it right. Elliott an Gakpo were key. The deployment of Gakpo was fantastic."
Carragher lauded Gakpo's role in the second Liverpool goal and admitted that he was the "big revelation" for the Reds during the game. "This was a wow moment," Carragher added.
"I love the composure with the pass to Salah, he just waits, and then he’s off. That run was absolutely fantastic, and what a finish, don’t forget how far he’s run. He for me, was the big revelation for Liverpool, and the sign that maybe this front three can flourish."
Cody Gakpo celebrates with his Liverpool teammates (Getty Images)Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah also struck twice for the Reds in a 7-0 triumph, with Firmino adding gloss on the score-line late on to seal Liverpool's biggest-ever win over United. Although Salah received heaps of praise after the match for becoming the Reds' record Premier League scorer, Gakpo deserves as much credit.
It wasn't just his goals that impressed fans and pundits alike, Gakpo's all-round play was excellent as he managed to drag United's centre-backs out of position on multiple occasions, leaving space for others to benefit from. That is something that Firmino used to do excellently, and it feels like Klopp has got another gem on his hands.
United deploy a man-marking system out of possession. Casemiro, Fred and Wout Weghorst's men were Liverpool's midfield trio, meaning one of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane had to mark Gakpo. As the latter was dropping deeper to pick up the ball, United found it difficult to find a consistent marker.
Cody Gakpo scored twice for Liverpool against Manchester United (Getty Images)Varane was seen picking up Gakpo a number of times, especially while the Dutchman was drifting to the left-hand side. This left Nunez with even more time and space to run at. But Varane also sometimes decided to drop off, leaving Gakpo completely free in the half spaces between midfield and attack with no-one marking him.
"The deployment of Gakpo from Klopp was fantastic," Carragher added on Monday Night Football. "I can't stand this man-to-man. For me, it's better if you do zonal because all Varane has to do is fill the space [for the first goal] and then Robertson has to go back."
Nunez and Salah complimented Gakpo superbly, too, as both of them like to run towards goal and make darts in behind the back-line - something Gakpo doesn't do as often despite his role in his second goal. The combination of Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane felt the same - and Klopp is starting to build a trio that has similar qualities.
Selecting Gakpo over Diogo Jota felt like a huge call from Klopp, but he managed to outfox Erik ten Hag with his tactics as Liverpool ran riot over their arch rivals. This could be the start of a major revival from the Reds as they try and force their way into the Champions League places this season.
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