Mark Lawrenson has expressed uncertainty regarding Liverpool star Cody Gakpo’s role in midfield this season. Lawrenson discussed the Dutch international on Off The Ball’s Breakfast Show.

Despite facing challenges in the summer transfer market, Liverpool’s campaign has started reasonably well. After an entertaining draw against Chelsea, they secured victories against Bournemouth and Newcastle. The win at St. James’ Park was particularly satisfying, considering they played with ten men for much of the match.

However, Jurgen Klopp remains unsatisfied with his current squad as the transfer window’s closing days approach. He is keen on adding at least one more midfielder, with Ryan Gravenberch being the most likely addition. Lawrenson concurs with this need, as he believes Cody Gakpo shouldn’t be deployed in Liverpool’s midfield.

Gakpo, a £35 million signing, initially joined as a forward in January, but his versatility has proved valuable due to Klopp’s limited midfield options. When asked about potential front-line starters for Liverpool in significant matches this season, Lawrenson stated, “I think he will select the strikers who are in form because he’s got five of them.

So, Mohamed Salah always starts, always, always, always. And Luis Diaz I would think generally [will start], and then the other three will have to compete for that position. And Cody Gakpo has been playing but almost as a midfielder, which just doesn’t seem to work, unfortunately.”

Attempting to secure a spot in Liverpool’s best team can be challenging for Gakpo, especially when trying to fit into the front three. Salah is irreplaceable, and the club is determined to ward off any potential offers from Saudi Arabia. Diaz appears to be one of Klopp’s preferred choices on the left, fitting well in that role alongside the support of Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai.

While Gakpo isn’t a traditional center-forward, Lawrenson suggests that he needs to find a way to make his mark in Liverpool’s squad. Klopp enjoys the luxury of rotating these players, with Darwin Nunez showcasing his abilities coming off the bench against Newcastle. It’s certainly a favorable predicament for Klopp as he enters this season.