Liverpool news: Arne Slot makes Cody Gakpo admission as Dutchman is labelled 'easy target'

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Liverpool's recent uptick in form has reignited their momentum in the race for Champions League football. Their three-match winning run - with their 5-2 win over West Ham United their latest triumph - has put them within three points of both Manchester United and Aston Villa , who sit third and fourth, respectively.

While they've begun consistently picking up maximum points, glaring issues hampering the reigning Premier League champions still exist. A lack of a physical midfield presence and continuing problems from set-pieces remain some of the biggest points of concern for Arne Slot 's side.

Among their issues has been the form of Cody Gakpo , who is enduring his worst season at the club since his £45million Anfield arrival in 2022 . His lack of goals and substandard performances has resulted in the Dutchman facing calls to be dropped.

Mirror Football delves into Slot's thoughts about his under-fire winger as well as a former Liverpool star taking aim at the criticism he's faced.

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The Dutchman is one of several Liverpool players who haven't performed to their usual standards this season. His lack of goal-scoring has hampered the club's faltering forward line. Gakpo's strike against West Ham was only his third goal since November and his first league goal since netting against Fulham in January.

Despite his drought in front of goal and some below-par performances, Slot said he didn't believe Gakpo's confidence had been affected. However, he did admit the forward had made different in-play decisions because of his poor form.

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The Reds boss said: "I was happy because it was the 4-1 goal so that gave us an even more comfortable cushion, but even more happy for him to score because I think he needed that goal. I don't think his confidence was gone or away in that regard, but I did see a few times recently that he maybe made different decisions than I'm used to from him.

"That doesn't always have to mean it's a lack of confidence. But when players are not scoring for a longer and longer (time) they start to think more about their direction, and overthinking is not the best thing you can do."

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Gakpo, in particular, has faced growing calls to be benched amid his poor form, with sections of the Liverpool fanbase wanting to see Rio Ngumoha start in the left-wing position. The considerable criticism the 26-year-old has received when Liverpool aren't at their best is partly due to being an "easy target", according to ex-Reds midfielder Jason McAteer.

Speaking on the the official Liverpool FC podcast , the former Ireland international said: "I've a slight sympathy for Cody. I think sometimes he can be unfairly criticised. When it’s not going well, I think he’s an easy target.

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