Cody Gakpo has praised Liverpool’s collective defensive effort following the 1-0 Premier League win over Sunderland on the Stadium of Gentle.
Arne Slot’s aspect turned the primary workforce to win at Sunderland within the league this season, with Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header sealing three important factors that moved us to 42 factors and inside touching distance of the Champions League locations.
Talking to ALL RED Video after full-time, the Netherlands worldwide made it clear that the efficiency was about extra than simply the aim.
“Yeah, I feel it was efficiency from our aspect and… in the long run a terrific win, I feel deserved should you take a look at the sport and yeah, we’re very pleased with that.”
The 25-year-old ahead acknowledged that the primary half was dominant however lacking one key ingredient.
“I feel we had good alternatives to create probabilities, we created some probabilities, however yeah, missing the aim was the one factor… lucky for us, we obtained it within the second half, and we took it with us, the win.”
Gakpo singles out defensive bravery
What stood out most in Gakpo’s evaluation was the emphasis on defending as a unit.
“Yeah, we did that very nicely, I feel, in transition moments everyone tried to get again and, each methods, attacking and defending, and clearly we defended with our lives and yeah, that’s what we did very nicely at this time.”
Cody Gakpo additionally highlighted Ibou Konate’s efficiency, though he was cautious to not isolate people.
“I feel everyone was superb… Ibou was good once more at this time, like we all know him… I feel everyone did his job and yeah, very completely happy.”
He additionally paid tribute to Wataru Endo who was compelled off injured: “All people is aware of what Wata is, an actual warrior… he performed a tremendous recreation at this time as nicely and unlucky for him, and for us that he obtained injured.”
Gakpo’s numbers underline sturdy exhibiting
Whereas Gakpo has confronted criticism this season, his efficiency on Wearside was productive and energetic.
Cody Gakpo vs Sunderland (Supply: Sofascore)
Metric
Worth
Minutes
75
Sofascore ranking
7.7
Key passes
3
Progressive carries
6
Correct passes
19/23 (83%)
Aerial duels received
2/4
Tackles received
1/1
Complete development
118.5m
The Dutch ahead accomplished 83% of his passes, created three key probabilities and carried the ball progressively six instances, protecting over 120 metres in ahead motion.
That degree of trade suits with what he described in his interview: “I feel each are equally vital… we scored a aim and we saved a clear sheet… we did each at this time, which is superb.”
With Luis Diaz thriving in Germany and comparisons inevitably resurfacing, this was a well timed reminder that Gakpo nonetheless contributes considerably after we carry out as a collective.
Gakpo is probably not within the dialog for our participant of the season, on a moist night time within the north east, it was not about aptitude.
It was about bravery, organisation and defending with self-discipline.
And in keeping with Gakpo, that unity was precisely what earned us the win.
You possibly can view Slot’s post-Sunderland press convention by way of Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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