Mohamed Salah has hinted that Cody Gakpo could be the player to replace Roberto Firmino in Liverpool’s squad, with the Dutchman thriving in the central attacking role in recent weeks.
Speaking to Stadium Astro, the Egyptian winger lauded the 23-year-old forward after an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, with Gakpo joining Liverpool in January from PSV in what has so far proven to be another bargain transfer for the Reds.
The youngster has found himself as Firmino’s replacement in recent weeks as the leading figure in Liverpool’s attacker, and with the Brazilian playing his last ever game for the Anfield giants today, Gakpo makes quite a lot of sense as a successor for the Merseyside cult hero, something Salah seemingly agrees with.
The Liverpool superstar said on Gakpo: “He’s kind of like Bobby. He likes to drop deep and sometimes he plays as the No.8. He knows how to play football, that’s for sure. I’m not concerned if he doesn’t score, as long as the team is winning then he’s going to score goals anyway.
“I always speak with him. He’s a really clever guy and he always wants to learn. I always tell him ‘Don’t listen [to any criticism], just play your football. Don’t worry what people say if maybe you’re not scoring a lot [at times]’, that’s my advice to him. Just play your football and relax, enjoy your role in the team.”
The Liverpool superstar said on Gakpo: “He’s kind of like Bobby. He likes to drop deep and sometimes he plays as the No.8. He knows how to play football, that’s for sure. I’m not concerned if he doesn’t score, as long as the team is winning then he’s going to score goals anyway.
“I always speak with him. He’s a really clever guy and he always wants to learn. I always tell him ‘Don’t listen [to any criticism], just play your football. Don’t worry what people say if maybe you’re not scoring a lot [at times]’, that’s my advice to him. Just play your football and relax, enjoy your role in the team.”
Salah’s prediction for Gakpo could come true next season
Gakpo has shown impressive signs since taking the reigns as Liverpool’s central attacker in recent weeks, and with Salah now likening the Dutchman to Firmino, there is every chance that the forward will lead Jurgen Klopp’s line next season.
As we know, Gakpo has made incredible strides in adapting to the Premier League since signing for Liverpool in January, and although the Reds have many options to replace Firmino in the squad, the 23-year-old could be best-suited for the years to come based on his style of play.
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