In Liverpool’s Carabao Cup run, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz each bring unique skills that have proven valuable, though they differ significantly in style and role. Cody Gakpo’s recent performances have shown his knack for scoring at critical moments, as seen in his two late goals during Liverpool’s 5-1 win over West Ham.
Gakpo’s adaptability to various forward positions, combined with his powerful finishing, is particularly effective when Liverpool needs to seal games. He thrives on controlled movements and quick, decisive finishes, making him an ideal option for tight, high-stakes matchups where Liverpool’s strategy leans on strong center-forward play.
Luis Diaz, on the other hand, offers a contrasting approach with his energy and creativity on the wings. Known for his direct dribbling, Diaz has a style that is aggressive and unpredictable, which creates openings by unsettling defenders and widening the play.
Diaz’s strength lies in his versatility on the left flank, allowing Liverpool to stretch defenses and generate space centrally for players like Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah to operate. This makes Diaz particularly effective in situations where Liverpool needs to play with high intensity, especially against compact defenses that can be vulnerable to width and pace.
Manager Arne Slot faces a tactical choice between the two. Slot has used both players in rotation, as their contrasting skill sets help Liverpool maintain offensive fluidity against various styles of play.
In scenarios where Liverpool is expected to dominate possession, Diaz’s wing play could be crucial to destabilizing defensive lines, while Gakpo’s finishing ability might be better suited for matches that require clinical scoring opportunities late in the game.
Slot’s decision ultimately rests on match conditions, with Diaz’s creative edge better for high-press games, while Gakpo’s finishing instincts make him an asset for closing out games effectively.
