Slot Reveals Liverpool Player ‘Struggled’ During Sunderland Match

Arne Slot admitted that one of his Liverpool players “struggled” during their 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Wednesday night.

Cody Gakpo has been one of Liverpool’s most frequently used players this season, with only three teammates starting more Premier League matches. He’s also one of just four members of the squad to feature in all 14 league fixtures. However, the 26-year-old endured a difficult evening at Anfield and was taken off at half-time, with Mo Salah introduced after being left on the bench for the win over West Ham — a reaction Slot recently praised.

Slot explains the decision to withdraw Gakpo

Speaking after the game, Slot was asked why he opted to make that change at the break. The Liverpool manager didn’t hide his reasoning.

“In my view, Cody had trouble winning his one-v-one situations,” he said (via liverpoolfc.com). “Sunderland pressed high at times but also defended deep, and in games like that you either need a moment of brilliance or a set piece to score.

“I felt Cody couldn’t quite produce that in the first half because he struggled to dominate one-v-one or deliver crosses.”

A tough night for Gakpo

Although Gakpo worked hard, he found little success with the ball and often looked frustrated throughout his 45-minute spell.

According to Sofascore, the Dutchman lost four of his five duels, completed only seven passes, failed to make a successful dribble and managed just one accurate cross. Meanwhile, Nordi Mukiele — own goal aside — had an impressive defensive showing, winning all five of his duels, making three tackles and producing five clearances.

Gakpo was excellent against West Ham days earlier, scoring and assisting, but nothing went his way against Sunderland, prompting Slot to make the early switch.

It now remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s No.18 keeps his place against Leeds on Saturday, or if Slot will deploy the second-half attacking setup, with Florian Wirtz operating from the left to fit Dominik Szoboszlai and Mo Salah into the team.