Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman has explained why he thinks Cody gakpo is struggling at Liverpool.
The Reds signed the forward from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window. An initial fee of £37m was agreed, within add-ons potentially taking the deal to in excess of £40m.
So far, Gakpo has made six appearances in a Liverpool shirt. The Netherlands international is yet to score a goal or register an assist, which has led to some criticism in certain quarters.
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Gakpo has been used in multiple positions in his early days at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp has utilised the 23-year-old as a left-winger and a as a centre-forward on various occasions.
Prior to moving to Merseyside, Gakpo had scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 appearances for PSV. And now Koeman, who was recently appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national team, has given his verdict on Gakpo’s move to Liverpool.
Speaking on a Youtube channel hosted by ex-Everton winger Andy van der Meyde, Koeman said: “The level in England is higher than in the Netherlands, but they are also young boys, aren't they?
“Like (Ryan) Gravenberch going to Bayern (Munich) and not playing. Then that is difficult.
"You can see that, that he has ended up in a team that is not doing well. Then it becomes more difficult for him, as a new signing. You are tested right away.
“And if you don't score or you're not important and you don't win any matches, it's very difficult, especially for a young player.
“If that's was someone aged 28 with experience, it would be different.”
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