Arne Slot has said he views Cody Gakpo as a ‘regular starter’ for Liverpool after the winger’s impressive performance at Brighton.
Gakpo scored twice as Liverpool booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-2 win at the AMEX Stadium, extending his prolific record in the competition.
The Dutchman has four goals in two games in the Carabao Cup this season, though has started just twice in the Premier League due to the form of Luis Diaz.
Asked how he views Gakpo’s status in the squad, Slot said he sees his in-form compatriot as a big part of the Liverpool side.
“I think in the second half of last season he got a lot of goals already. He has been a good player for Liverpool for a long time now and that’s a good thing,” Slot said in his post-match press conference.
“For me, he is a regular starter. He is not starting every game but he has started on a regular basis and he is in a tough competition with Luis Diaz, who, in the moment he went on the left, also scored a goal.
“So, that’s normal: if you play at a club like Liverpool you have got two quality players for many positions and if you look at the way Joe Gomez played and also Jarell Quansah – who was maybe a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded because the overall performance I liked from them both as well – they are in competition with Virgil [van Dijk] and Ibou [Konate].
“That’s what you have when you play at Liverpool, but for me, Cody has been a regular starter this season.”
