Future of forward who is Arne Slot favourite PLUNGED into doubt

Slot's wingless wonders

Slot has opted for a midfield diamond in recent matches - utilising a midfield quartet with Curtis Jones included from the start.

The homegrown midfielder has been key to the Reds’ recent turnaround - and Slot has been content to let the full-backs provide the width in the absence of any natural wingers.

Mohamed Salah has been dropped in recent weeks - while Cody Gakpo’s injury-enforced absence has also brought about an unexpected upturn in fortunes.

The Dutchman is a favourite of Slot but missed out on travelling to Inter before being posted missing once again at the weekend.

He is expected to be absent for weeks according to Slot - who must surely resist the temptation to put him back in the team once he’s fit.

Kerkez shines in Gakpo's absence

It’s been noted in a tactical analysis piece from the Athletic that Gakpo’s period of absence has coincided with an upturn in form for Milos Kerkez at left-back.

“One of the features of Kerkez’s game during his two seasons with Bournemouth was an ability to get to the byline and provide cutbacks for team-mates,” the report reads.

“Netherlands international Gakpo is known for receiving possession and cutting inside before delivering a cross or shooting.

“When Kerkez offers the Dutchman an underlap or overlap, he is frequently ignored. At other times, the pass to him lacks quality.”

© IMAGO - Arne Slot Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2024-25

Slot must resist temptation to use Gakpo

Slot has previously acknowledged that Kerkez’s forward runs - either as an underlapping or overlapping left-back - have not always been used by Gakpo.

The winger much prefers to hold possession for himself before turning inside for a shot at goal or a cross. Without him in the team Kerkez has been able to get high and wide in this Liverpool team - and we have finally seen encouraging signs in the £40m signing.

“Liverpool’s narrower setup, featuring more midfielders and fewer attackers, afforded both full-backs more licence to get forward because of the shield provided for the defence by their colleagues in central areas of the pitch,” the report continues.

Knowing Slot he will take some convincing to ignore Gakpo when he’s back fit. But he must surely acknowledge that Liverpool have finally found a winning formula - and Gakpo is not part of it.