Jürgen Klopp has engineered Liverpool ‘swap’ as Dutch icon can be proved wrong on Cody Gakpo

A Dutch national team centurion has targeted Jurgen Klopp for his use of Cody Gakpo at Liverpool, but the madness has a clear method.

Jurgen Klopp is known for maximizing the potential of his players. Throughout his coaching career, the German coach has turned the Starlets into stars and provided a springboard for elite players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Robert Lewandowski and Marco Reus to name a few. only a few, to grow and reach their peak.

Fenway Sports Group identified Klopp as ideal for their approach a decade ago. He was seen as the type of behind-the-scenes manager to improve players on the pitch, rather than simply relying on the transfer market to solve problems and get results. Since being appointed to Merseyside, the Reds boss has made the most of virtually every player he has worked with save a few names. Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino have all made great strides and the list goes on.

However, despite his impressive record, Klopp’s decisions are still questioned from time to time, with Rafael van der Vaart the latest to criticize the 55-year-old. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder became adept at and represented the Netherlands during his playing days, so he’s fond of his compatriot, Cody Gakpo.

The Dutch striker arrived from PSV Eindhoven last month but his position on the pitch has since surprised many spectators, including Van der Vaart. “The biggest surprise for me was not Liverpool buying Gakpo last month,” he told Ladbrokes (via The Express). “Look, if you have the kind of tournament he did in Qatar, you attract the interest of many top clubs.

Reds legend Jamie Carragher said after Liverpool’s recent Merseyside derby win against Everton (via ECHO): “He’s interesting to watch as he’s more of a Firmino than some of the other players. He’s clean and tidy in midfield , but slipped past the players a few times in the second half.

“You don’t get the feeling that he’s going to lose the ball in crazy ways. When you think about how Liverpool played, it was Firmino coming on and the full backs coming forward. Gakpo could be more of a Firmino.

It remains to be seen how Klopp’s attacking formation will perform once all of his forwards are fit and available, but despite his curious use of Gakpo there is method behind the madness. Ultimately, its proven experience in the refining of rough diamonds should be remembered; he has plenty of time to prove Van der Vaart wrong.