The Battle for Liverpool’s Left Wing: Gakpo vs Díaz Analysed | OneFootball

Gakpo vs Díaz: The Fiercest Competition in the Squad

Liverpool has always been a club that thrives on competition, and this season is no different. With talents like Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz battling for the left-wing position, the competition is intense, leaving coach Arne Slot spoilt for choice.

It’s a contest that could define the Reds’ attacking prowess this season, but who truly has the upper hand? As long as they keep pushing each other like this, it could be brilliant for the reds.

Gakpo’s Recent Brilliance

Cody Gakpo has been a revelation in his recent starts. His performance against Crystal Palace was nothing short of outstanding. According to stats shared by Andrew Beasley, Gakpo created five chances, made three tackles, and completed three interceptions during the game—a rare feat in Premier League history, as only a select few players, including legends like Cesc Fàbregas and Bruno Fernandes, have matched these numbers in a single game.

Not just contributing defensively, Gakpo has been lethal going forward. In his last two starts, he has contributed directly to three goals—two goals and an assist—a statistic that firmly underscores his growing influence on the pitch.

Leaving Gakpo out of the starting XI at this point almost seems ludicrous given his form and well-rounded performances. It’s not just his stats, though. Gakpo’s movement off the ball, his tactical awareness, and his willingness to track back have made him an indispensable asset. Slot now faces a serious dilemma: can he afford to bench Gakpo when he’s in this sort of form?

Photo: IMAGO

Luis Díaz’s Strong Start to the Season

Luis Díaz, on the other hand, started the season with the same explosive flair that fans have come to expect from him and his work-rate is in no doubt. With goals and an assist to date, Díaz quickly established himself as a vital cog in Liverpool’s attacking setup. His raw pace, ability to take on defenders, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, particularly against lower defensive blocks. He’s looked cooler, calmer and composed at the right times this season.

However, there’s been a slight dip in his production in recent games. Since his stellar performance against Bournemouth, where he scored and assisted, Díaz hasn’t added to his goal or assist tally. In his 552 minutes so far this season across seven Premier League matches, his contributions have been immense in terms of build-up play and pressing, but the tangible outputs in goals and assists have dried up. That’s not to say Díaz’s spot is under immediate threat, but in such a competitive environment, every dip is magnified.

Photo: IMAGO

The Luxury of Choice for Slot

What a luxury it is for Slot to have two incredible talents battling for the same position. Both players bring different attributes to the table: Gakpo’s ability to drop deep and link play combined with his defensive contribution, versus Díaz’s pace, dribbling, and directness. Tactically, it gives Liverpool immense flexibility.

When Gakpo starts, the team often enjoys more control and fluidity in possession. With Díaz, Liverpool can hurt teams on the break and stretch opposition defences with raw speed. What’s clear is that Slot will need to rotate and utilise both players effectively to maximise their potential. Neither can afford to let their standards drop because the other is always lurking, ready to step up.

Photo: IMAGO

Who Deserves the Starting Spot?

Based on the last few games, Gakpo appears to be in the ascendancy. His recent performances, particularly against Palace, suggest that he’s indispensable at the moment. With two goals, an assist, and remarkable defensive contributions, it’s hard to justify dropping him. However, Díaz remains a game-changer and even when not scoring or assisting, contributes significantly to Liverpool’s overall play.

He’s also managed six contributions already so it seems crazy to discuss dropping him. For now, Slot is indeed spoilt for choice, but with both players pushing each other to new heights, Liverpool can only benefit from this fierce competition. This is the strongest position in the squad just now.