Arne Slot Explains Reason Behind Cody Gakpo Switch and Liverpool “Main Difference” That Has Paid Off Handsomely After Win Over Leicester City

Arne Slot addressed the media following Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Leicester City at Anfield.

The Liverpool manager shed light on his decision to reposition Cody Gakpo on the left-wing, a role where the Dutch forward has consistently excelled. Gakpo played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Leicester City on Boxing Day.

Gakpo not only scored the equaliser just before half-time but also assisted Mohamed Salah late in the game to seal the win. The 25-year-old now boasts 10 goals this season, highlighting his effectiveness in his preferred position.

Reflecting on the tactical adjustment, Slot explained that a modification in Liverpool’s attacking structure allowed Gakpo to return to the left flank, a position where he has previously thrived after being largely deployed centrally under former manager Jurgen Klopp.

“The main difference maybe is the set up of the front three was a bit different than the set up now,” he said. “I think we probably expect a bit more from our wingers to keep it wide, to try to get them in get in one on one situations.

“Cody has done this really well. Lucho (Diaz) has done this really well when he plays from the left. But Lucho is, in our opinion, also capable of playing as a nine.

“He’s done that really well against Spurs. Against Spurs, it was mainly Lucho and Mo that were dominant, now it was Cody again together with Mo.

“It’s just nice to have so many options, in every position actually but also in the front three.”

Meanwhile, Slot also praised Salah after he scored his 19th goal of the season against Leicester, as he backed all of his forwards to continue delivering in front of goal.

“Great goal, again. Similar to the first one from Cody,” he said. “I think both goals were quite similar.

“And I think it was just before we scored the 1-1, Mo had a similar shot that hit the bar. And just before, he had a shot with his right foot that just went over the bar.

“We arrived there many times and if these players, like Cody, like Lucho, like Diogo, like Darwin, like Mo, if they arrive often enough in promising positions, they will deliver.”

In other news, “Looking at This Team” – Ruud van Nistelrooy Makes Liverpool Title Claim and Names Player “Still Improving”