Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo has expressed his excitement to succeed in the number nine role following the departure of Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian forward will officially become a free agent at the end of June after eight successful years at Anfield. In January, the Dutchman arrived from PSV Eindhoven as Jurgen Klopp began putting plans in place for the exit of his most-used player.
Firmino signed off with two goals in two games after returning from injury in time for his Liverpool farewell. Prior to that, Gakpo predominantly featured in the starting 11 through the middle of a front three. Like many of the German's strike options, the former PSV captain has the capability to play across the forward line.
Gakpo shone at the World Cup under Louis van Gaal playing down the middle and netting three times for the Oranje before their penalty shootout exit to eventual winners Argentina.
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His time in the Eredivisie saw him feature on the left of the attacking trio. His prominence in his homeland saw him credited with summer interest from Arsenal before Liverpool gazumped rivals Manchester United on the eve of the January transfer window to snap up one of the World Cup's breakout stars.
Discussing his shift to a central role, Gakpo revealed that he was previously resistant to the change in position but is now relishing the opportunity to line up in the position for Liverpool and Holland.
"(Gus) Hiddink was the first (to mention the change)," the 24-year-old told AD. "He spent a while at PSV as a sounding board, saw me busy and said: 'You have to become a striker or a false striker, Cody'. I didn't want to believe that then.
"And also not when Roger Schmidt said the same thing later at PSV. I was more stubborn than now, felt good on the left flank.
"But at the last World Cup I was already more central on the field and at Liverpool even permanently in the past six months. That was good," Gakpo continued. "I'm just more excited to get better at that place in the near future. Yes, as far as I'm concerned also with Orange."
Following his January switch, the attacker scored seven goals and provided two assists during a rise to Europa League qualification. One of the highlights for Gakpo came during the 7-0 rout over Manchester United as he scored twice.
He revealed that Klopp told him of his role within the team and after five months with his new teammates, he has enjoyed his stint so far.
Gakpo continued: "We play with two wingers who stay high and a striker who can also lower himself to participate in midfield. Klopp saw me doing that, he said after my arrival in January. And now I do too.
"With us you have Mo Salah on the right flank, he has shown it at the top level for many years. I would rather see him as the 'leader' in our attack. I don't think status is that important anyway. I want to help the team I play in. And I now enjoy doing that from this position."
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