“He didn’t look right” – Liverpool star criticised after defeat to Brighton | OneFootball

Liverpool Analysis: David Lynch Criticises Cody Gakpo After Brighton Defeat

Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton prompted a wide-ranging critique on Media Matters for Anfield Index, but few players came in for sharper scrutiny than Cody Gakpo. Speaking to Dave Davis, David Lynch gave a candid assessment of the forward’s display.

From the outset, Lynch made it clear something was off. “I texted someone very early in the game… is he fit?” he revealed, highlighting immediate concern over Gakpo’s condition.

That concern quickly turned into criticism, as the performance unfolded. “He didn’t look right for the entire game,” Lynch said, pointing to both physical and technical struggles throughout the match.

Physical concerns raise questions

One of the most striking elements of Lynch’s analysis was the suggestion that Gakpo may not have been physically at the level required. “He looked like he couldn’t move,” Lynch stated, a damning observation for a player expected to provide energy and attacking thrust.

This was not framed as a minor issue. Lynch admitted he could not fully explain what he was seeing, adding, “I don’t really understand why that was the case”.

Whether it was a fitness problem, a lack of confidence, or something else entirely, the end result was the same. Gakpo appeared unable to influence the game in any meaningful way, and that raised further questions about Liverpool’s current condition levels.

Poor execution compounds problems

Even when Gakpo did get on the ball, the issues persisted. Lynch was unequivocal in his assessment, saying, “his actions on the ball were very poor every time he got it”.

That combination, limited movement and ineffective use of possession, made for a particularly difficult outing. In a game where Liverpool already struggled collectively, individual underperformance only made matters worse.

Lynch’s criticism was not isolated to this match alone. He noted that “it’s been a poor season for him”, suggesting that the Brighton display was part of a wider trend rather than a one-off dip.

Photo: IMAGO

Context offered but standards remain

Despite the criticism, Lynch stopped short of writing Gakpo off entirely. He offered some context around Liverpool’s broader struggles, explaining that the forward is being affected by the team’s overall downturn.

“He’s never going to be the guy who drags you up the pitch,” Lynch said, outlining the limitations of Gakpo’s role within the squad. However, he still sees value in the player, adding, “there’s still a very useful player there”.

Importantly, Lynch was clear that he “wouldn’t advocate for getting rid of him”, reinforcing the idea that the problem is not solely about one individual.

Liverpool need more from key attackers

Even with that context, the expectation remains higher. Liverpool’s attacking unit has been inconsistent all season, and performances like this only deepen the concern.

Against Brighton, where Liverpool needed composure and attacking quality, Gakpo offered neither. The result was a performance that Lynch described as lacking both physically and technically, two fundamentals at this level.

As Liverpool continue to search for form, the spotlight will remain on players like Cody Gakpo. Based on Lynch’s analysis, improvement is not just desirable, it is essential.