Liverpool fans believe they have spotted a huge problem with Cody Gakpo vs Everton

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Arne Slot made two huge selection decisions ahead of the Merseyside derby, and the Liverpool fans have spotted a problem with one of the starting players, Cody Gakpo.

Less than a week after Ryan Gravenberch blew away Liverpool supporters with a standout display against Burnley, the Dutchman was on hand once again as he opened the scoring for the Reds.

Hugo Ekitike continued his phenomenal start to life at Anfield as he doubled the lead in the 29th minute as Liverpool dominated their Merseyside rivals.

Idrissa Gueye halved the deficit to set up a nervy final 30 minutes for the hosts but the Reds withstood the Everton barrage to claim the three points.

However, Slot left £241 million duo Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on the bench, and as Gakpo resumed his duties on the left flank, it appears the Reds supporters have grown frustrated with the forward.

Cody Gakpo has become “too predictable” for Liverpool

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a productive start to the season, boasting one goal and two assists in his opening five outings.

Indeed, Gakpo has proven a critical player for the Reds in the early stages of the campaign, but the fans believe he has become too predictable when in possession.

One supporter wrote: “Gakpo is incredibly frustrating. A massive downgrade to Luis Diaz, he stalls and wastes 90% of the team’s attacking momentum. So one dimensional and predictable.”

“Gakpo was so predictable that all he does is pass back. He can’t see the runs of his teammates and doesn’t provide any quality in the final 3rd. Shocking that he is not on the bench!” Another wrote.

Gakpo promised an “even better” season at Anfield heading into the campaign, but it appears his trademark cut inside from the left flank, which saw him score 10 Premier League goals last season, is being telegraphed by the opposition.

And the Liverpool supporters on X have seemingly had enough of the forward’s one-trick move, “Gakpo is so predictable, change it up a little brother. Everyone knows your move.”

Another added: “More ball to Salah and much less to Gakpo please, unless he learns to use his left foot and go to the line.. that predictable cut inside leads nowhere!”

His tendency to persist with cutting inside from the flank at almost every given opportunity has already caused problems this season, Ronald Koeman scolded his Netherlands side, including Gakpo, after the 1-1 draw against Poland over the international break.

“Gakpo is just far too predictable. Receive to feet on the left, feint left, cut inside right, attempt to shoot. Rinse and repeat.”

Liverpool fans are not happy with Cody Gakpo

While most of the Liverpool supporters scolded the forward for being too predictable against Everton, even more fans piled on to voice their frustrations with Gakpo.

• “Starting to worry about Gakpo. Seriously. I like him a lot. He’s just completely out of form, we wouldn’t want him hurting us.”
• “Gakpo looks like the odd one out in this team. He doesn’t fit with what we’re trying to do. He’s slow and cumbersome and doesn’t offer enough.”
• “Rio should be knocking on Slot’s door, saying how the hell is Gakpo getting in ahead of me.”
• “This has to be the last game Gakpo starts for us, we have to give other people a chance at this point.”
• “Gakpo needs to be rested for the next few games because he’s getting increasingly frustrating game after game.”

With Slot suggesting that Isak and Ekitike could soon play alongside each other at Anfield in his pre-match press conference, it appears Gakpo is running on borrowed time to retain his place in the side.