06 January 2023 , 15:12
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Jurgen Klopp is eagerly waiting to see Cody Gakpo make a "positive impact" having watched him close-up in training.
Liverpool moved swiftly to add the Dutch star at the start of the January transfer window, striking an agreement with PSV Eindhoven worth a total of £45million. Gakpo was prolific in the Eredivisie and furthered his reputation at the World Cup with Netherlands, scoring three goals. At Liverpool, he adds to an already star-studded frontline that includes Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.
Gakpo was sat in the stands for the Reds' win over Leicester and has begun training with his new team-mates at the club's Kirby-base. Klopp claimed the forward was "a joy to watch" as he listed his qualities, but confessed that he finds the sessions "intense".
Speaking on Friday, the Liverpool boss said: "Cody has been in for two full training days and is a joy to watch, to be honest. In our situation, it's really nice to have a player who is pretty natural in a lot of things and knows where the goal is. He is obviously full of joy, enjoying each second at the moment.
"He's a good footballer, good in small spaces, likes to shoot from distance, good finisher and dribbler. Everybody who wants to know about him could know as there are a lot of videos out there about him. It is nice to see in real life, in front of you. He looks really promising and fit. The sessions are intense for him because they're different. I'm very positive about him. Coming from a new league is always difficult, but we expect a positive impact."
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Gakpo was unable to feature against Brentford earlier this week due to the fact he wasn't registered, but is ready to play if called upon when the Reds begin the defence of their FA Cup crown against Wolves on Saturday evening.
Cody Gakpo has been getting accustomed to life at LiverpoolShould Gakpo go straight into the starting XI? Have your say in the comments below.
The forward will offer Klopp an option through the middle as well as in wide areas. Nunez, a club-record signing in the summer, is still finding his feet but has been deployed centrally, as have Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota. Salah and Luis Diaz are more effective from wider positions.
Jota and Diaz have been hampered by injury problems this term, which has limited their appearances. Gakpo's arrival means Liverpool have six forwards from which to pick as the club continue to bolster their ranks in pursuit of the top four. A fifth league defeat of the season at Brentford leaves the Reds seven points off Manchester United in fourth.
Klopp has claimed Gakpo's arrival, despite the lack of assurances regarding Champions League football, are a huge plus. He added "There have been easier moments to sign for Liverpool. This year ,we can't guarantee Champions League football, but Cody never asked. He knew the decision. He can see the table. But he wants to push the train, that always helps."