Liverpool`s pre-season campaign is underway, offering fans the first glimpses of Arne Slot`s tactical approach and the potential impact of new signings. While the friendly against Preston North End served its primary purpose – a tribute to a club stalwart and a chance for players to build match fitness – it also showcased promising early form from both fresh faces and established squad members like Cody Gakpo.
New arrivals like Milos Kerkez at left-back and Jeremie Frimpong on the right flank demonstrated pace and attacking intent, hinting at the dynamic wide play Slot might favour. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili also looked assured between the posts. Amidst these observations, Cody Gakpo, who seemingly thrived in a more defined attacking role under Slot towards the end of last season, continued to impress, finding the net with a well-taken finish.
Gakpo`s performance builds on a solid 2023/24 season where he contributed significantly, adapting well after his initial arrival. However, the transfer window rarely allows for complacency. With speculation surrounding the future of winger Luis Diaz, who is reportedly attracting interest from clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool`s strategic team appears to be exploring options to maintain or even elevate the quality and depth of the attacking unit.
The Rodrygo Rumour: A Statement of Intent?
Reports emanating from Spain suggest Liverpool is preparing a significant offer for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. This isn`t a whisper about a fringe player; Rodrygo is widely recognised as a talent with “world-class” potential, already proven at the highest level for club and country. The proposed fee is rumoured to be around €100 million (£86 million) – a figure that immediately positions this as a potential marquee signing, hardly pocket change in today`s market.
Rodrygo`s situation at Real Madrid has been subject to scrutiny recently. Despite his undeniable talent and versatility, he has reportedly found consistent starts hard to come by, particularly in his preferred left-wing position, often being deployed on the right. This perceived frustration, coupled with the arrival of new attacking options at the Bernabeu, could potentially open the door for a move, provided Real Madrid`s valuation is met.
Rodrygo vs. Gakpo: A Closer Look
The headline immediately prompts a comparison: would Rodrygo be an “upgrade” on Cody Gakpo? Examining their league statistics from the 2023/24 season provides some fascinating insights, keeping in mind they played in different leagues (Premier League vs. La Liga) and potentially different roles within their teams.
While Gakpo edged Rodrygo in raw goal contributions in the league (10 goals, 4 assists vs. 6 goals, 5 assists), Rodrygo demonstrated superior efficiency and involvement in other areas. The Brazilian averaged significantly more touches per game (48.1 vs. 27.7), indicating greater overall involvement in build-up play. He also attempted and completed more dribbles per game (1.6 vs. 0.9) and delivered more key passes (1.6 vs. 1.1).
Crucially, Rodrygo`s finishing was notably more clinical, missing only one big chance in the league compared to Gakpo`s six. His passing accuracy was also higher (91% vs. 84%). While Gakpo created more big chances overall (11 vs. 5), Rodrygo`s stats suggest a player who is not only comfortable on the ball and involved in creation but also highly reliable in front of goal when opportunities arise – a trait previously lauded by pundits who described him as “terrifyingly good.”
Furthermore, Rodrygo slightly outperformed Gakpo in duel success rate (53% vs. 51%), suggesting a marginally stronger physical presence in duels despite both players averaging a similar number of tackles and interceptions per game.
Fit and Implications
Rodrygo`s preferred position is the left wing, which is where Gakpo also seems to be establishing himself under Slot, and where Luis Diaz primarily operates. If Diaz departs, Rodrygo could be seen as a direct replacement, potentially offering a different profile with his speed and dribbling ability honed at Real Madrid.
However, even if Diaz stays, a player of Rodrygo`s calibre adds immense competition and tactical flexibility. While Gakpo has shown promise, acquiring a player with Rodrygo`s big-game experience and statistical efficiency presents an intriguing dilemma for Slot. It signals Liverpool`s ambition to recruit top-tier talent, even if it means challenging established players for their positions.
The reported interest from Arsenal adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the competitive nature of securing such a high-profile target. Liverpool`s sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of Football Michael Edwards face the task of negotiating with Real Madrid, a notoriously tough club to deal with, and outmaneuvering domestic rivals.
Conclusion
The link to Rodrygo is more than just another transfer rumour; it represents a potential strategic shift under Arne Slot. Targeting an £86 million “world-class” forward from Real Madrid, especially one who excels in areas where Liverpool might seek improvement or added depth, indicates a clear intent to strengthen the attack significantly. Whether a deal can be struck at that price, and how it impacts the roles of players like Gakpo and Diaz, remains to be seen. But the prospect of Rodrygo potentially lighting up Anfield is certainly a development to watch closely.
