Cody Gakpo has named the Liverpool team-mate from whom he “learned a lot” during his time at the club.
The Dutch international joined the Reds from PSV Eindhoven a year ago and has yet to fully adapt to Merseyside.
It seems Jurgen Klopp is still unsure which position the 24-year-old best fits into, as he is deployed as part of a midfield three and also on the left and in the middle of a front three.
Gakpo, who has seven goals and three assists in 24 games this season (in all competitions), has stated that Mo Salah is “always the first to enter the gym and the last to leave”, while explaining how the Egyptian is a brilliant mentor to the younger ones. members of Klopp’s team.
“I’ve already learned a lot from Mo,” Gakpo told the Liverpool ECHO (quoted by Rousing The Kop). “He is a true professional. He is always the first to enter the gym and the last to leave. It may sound a bit cliché but it’s true. Even if you arrive very early, Mo always arrives first!
“You see how he moves and how he does things on the field, but also off the field and also what he eats.
“I think Mo is also a person who tries to help younger players develop and I appreciate that a lot from him. I have talked to him many times about the smart things he does, how they have helped him and maybe how they can help me become a better player too.”
READ MORE: Spurs interested in potential winter move for ‘priceless’ £85,000 Liverpool powerhouse: report
Gakpo has all the attributes needed to shine for Liverpool. The Dutchman is full of pace, power and strength and, at the same time, he is an excellent finisher.
He has yet to hit the ground running, but we believe a long run on the side is what is required if we want to see him at his best.
Mo Salah will be heading to the AFCON early next year which means a place at the top of the field will be up for grabs and we would love to see our number 18 grab the opportunity with both hands.
During his last full season in the Eredivisie, the Eindhoven-born talent recorded 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions and played predominantly on the left flank.
However, he faces competition from Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and even Darwin Núñez in that position, so it remains to be seen where Klopp and co believe they can get the best out of the £37million man.
📖 Anfield Annals: John Smith: Liverpool’s Red Knight and most successful president
