The player that can give a boost to Cody Gakpo if Liverpool are given a second chance

Liverpool are due to face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend, and if the latest clash between the two isn’t over yet, Jurgen Klopp should be worried. When the sides last met a few weeks ago, the Seagulls won by three goals to nil and their performance was even more impressive than the score suggests.

From start to finish, Roberto De Zerbi’s men dominated the process, holding the ball, advancing effortlessly through Liverpool’s defensive structure and holding it for long periods, forcing Klopp’s side into the role of brave underdogs they generally have struggled to escape their other half.

After 90 minutes of play, Brighton had an impressive 61% of possession meaning the Reds only saw 39% of the ball, which is their lowest total of the season to date. In fact, Liverpool played 63 games in all competitions last season, and their lowest total in all games was 45%, which was beaten against Manchester City, known to have a lot of possession under Pep Guardiola. Liverpool are set to take on Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend and with the final clash between the two to come, Jurgen Klopp should be worried. When the two teams last met a few weeks ago, the Seagulls won by three goals to nil and their performance was even more impressive than the result would suggest.
From start to finish, Roberto De Zerbi’s men dominated the action, keeping possession, moving effortlessly through Liverpool’s defensive structure and locking them in for long stretches as Klopp’s side were forced to play the role of the brave outsider who usually encountered difficulties. escape from his own half.

After 90 minutes Brighton had an impressive 61 per cent possession, meaning the Reds saw just 39 per cent possession, their lowest total of the season so far. In fact, Liverpool played 63 games in all competitions last season and their lowest tally in a game was 45 per cent scored away against Manchester City, who are known to be wedded to possession under Pep Guardiola. Being contained by a Guardiola side can happen to the best teams in the world, but Klopp’s men have been stifled by a Brighton side sixth in the Premier League table. They are good but nothing special, especially compared to Manchester City.
For the majority of the final fight, Liverpool could not escape the grip on her; They were caged and confined to their own half, with Brighton particularly able to capitalize on the absence of Darwin Núñez.

The Uruguay forward suffered from a hamstring problem in the days leading up to the clash, which was hardly surprising given his diligence and relentless desire to gain ground for his teammates. With Núñez inciting chaos on the pitch, opponents find it harder to truly control Liverpool. His underappreciated threat as a half-time outlet – exploding behind opponents – is invaluable as he stretches out the defense and widens the field for the Reds when possession is secured. Without him, Liverpool simply become slower and more predictable.

Cody Gakpo was brought on in place of Núñez at the time, operating in center field with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the left wing and Mohamed Salah on the right. The newly signed Dutchman has a lot of potential, but he’s not a rider in the mold of the man he replaced in the team.

Klopp’s latest signing is likely to be more likely to miss the ball than run after it. He likes to provide an opportunity to pass by dropping deep rather than demanding balls by making penetrating runs, and with Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota injured, Liverpool struggled against Brighton.

This weekend, however, Núñez looks set to put himself in the game after recovering from a minor setback. With the South American on the field, Brighton should face greater difficulties in trying to keep the Reds in check. He should run after what Gakpo has been trying to avoid.

Even with Núñez in the squad, the Seagulls will prove to be a strong opponent. They are currently unbeaten in four games under De Zerbi, but whoever wins on Sunday afternoon, Gakpo will surely benefit from a lesson in acting as a threat as he witnesses his out-of-control teammate’s penetrating moves.

This weekend, however, Núñez seems destined to be there after recovering from his minor setback. With the South American on the pitch, Brighton will likely face greater difficulties in their attempts to control the Reds. He was supposed to run after it, which Gakpo tried to avoid.

Even with Núñez in the squad, the Seagulls will prove a formidable opponent. They are currently unbeaten in four games under De Zerbi, but whoever wins on Sunday afternoon, Gakpo will surely benefit from a lesson in acting as a threat as he witnesses his out-of-control teammate’s penetrating moves.