The forward has scored 11 goals and registered four assists from 40 games for the Reds, out of which four goals and an assist are from this season.
Algemeen Dagblad have published a detailed interview with the 24-year-old, where he was asked to review his last 12 months for club and country. When responding to that, Gakpo said he feels “very much at home” at Liverpool, and is happy with his life, both on and off the pitch.
The Netherlands international was used on the left wing at PSV, while Jürgen Klopp has mainly used him as a centre forward at the Merseyside club. Although he likes to operate in his preferred position on the left, the attacker believes that Klopp’s decision has helped him get out of his comfort zone.
“After my arrival he immediately put me as a striker, yes, but also just behind the striker. And now also more from midfield. I am challenged to get out of my comfort zone. I like that. Roger Schmidt already started doing this at PSV,” he said. The Dutchman has also explained how Liverpool help players to minimise pressure, with plans especially for taking penalties.
“At Liverpool they measure our brain activity during penalties. This is done via a hat with electrodes on your head,” Gakpo explained.
“You gain insight into how stress works in your brain and they try to help you keep control of it. You cannot imitate everything when training for penalties. There is always pressure. And you can miss. You have no guarantees. But you can also do quite a lot. In any case, I never dread taking a penalty.” After the international break, Liverpool have a big game coming up against Manchester City, and a victory at the Etihad can see the Reds take top spot.
Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven at the start of this year, after he starred for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
“You have to adapt and invest. This makes you a better, more complete player.”
