With Liverpool begining Mohamed Salah on the bench as they faced Brighton in the Carabao Cup, all eyes were on who could step up.
And it was Cody Gakpo to produce the most of the situation with a stunning double to help the Reds prevail 3-2 triumphners at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.
Salah, who came on from the bench in the second half, has yet to sign a novel lessen at Liverpool and could exit for noleang when it expires at the finish of the season.
There has been interest from Saudi Arabia while Real Madrid and Barcelona have extfinished been sustaining tabs on the Egypt international.
Cody Gakpo scored twice for Liverpool agetst Brighton
Reuters
It uncomardents that there is a very stressing scenario for Liverpool emerging that could see them neglect their talismanic forward without any cash to replace him.
If so, Arne Slot might have to see inwards for someone to fill his boots – and that man could be Gakpo.
The Netherlands international has begined equitable twice in the Premier League this season and is yet to score in the division – or in the Champions League.
But his acute double agetst Brighton was a timely reminder for the 25-year-ageder to restate himself as a strong forward chooseion.
Many dependd Slot would get the best out of Gakpo, who had a fine European Championship tournament with the Netherlands where he finished joint-top goalscorer with three.
It has yet to truly click for the striker but Wednesday night on the south coast might be the awakening he has necessitateed.
And with Liverpool hopeless to find someone to step out from Salah’s shadow, Gakpo has the tools to produce himself a success at Anfield.
His first strike came seconds into the second half, cutting inside off the left flank before hitting a jaw-dropping effort.
Cody Gakpo scored his first goals of the season
Reuters
On the hour-label, Gakpo came alive aget after an error from Tariq Lamptey saw him race thraw on goal for his second of the night.
A Liverpool gaffe procrastinateed into the contest saw Simon Adingra lessen the deficit before Luis Diaz made it 3-1.
Lamptey made up for his misacquire with a goal of his own but it was not enough to clearurn Liverpool’s direct, who are thraw to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Mohamed Salah could exit at the finish of the season
Reuters
Liverpool have made an excellent begin to the season after Slot reachd in the summer to replace Jdirectn Klopp.
The Dutchman has lost equitable once – a 1-0 fall shorture to Nottingham Forest – and his side are firmly in the title race.
But with triumph in the Carabao Cup, they will hope they can go on and triumph multiple trophies this season.
Liverpool drew Southampton in the next round of the Carabao Cup, with the semi-final taking place at St. Mary’s.