Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson urges Jurgen Klopp to drop 24-year-old Cody Gako against West Ham United.
After a rather disappointing season last time out, Liverpool have had a great start to the 2023-24 season. They are currently 3rd in the Premier League with four wins in their five outings. While they have been doing most things right, football expert Paul Merson believes they need to change things up for the upcoming fixture against West Ham United.
The former Arsenal midfielder has urged Jurgen Klopp to start Darwin Nunez ahead of Cody Gakpo. The Dutch international has started four out of the five Premier League games for Liverpool this season and he has done a decent job.
But, Merson feels the £37 million Dutch international might not be the perfect fit for the fixture against the Hammers. The 24-year-old is someone who prefers to drop deep, link up with others and bring them into play. And, this is something they might not need against West Ham.
According to the 55-year-old, the Reds need someone who is more direct and attacking in nature. They need someone who can open up the opposition defence with his pace and this is why he believes Nunez could be a better option against the Hammers.
Paul Merson said via Sportskeeda: “I think Darwin Nunez will start ahead of Cody Gakpo. The Uruguayan is more pacy and direct, while the latter knits it all together and brings others into play. They are both talented players in their own right, but Nunez suits this game better.”
The Uruguayan international loves to take on the defenders and he can use his pace to outrun them in one-on-one situations. The 24-year-old showcased his class when he came on as a substitute against Newcastle United in the final 15 minutes and scored two goals to complete a comeback.
Nunez might have featured in all five of their league outings but he has started just once. And, this game against the Hammers could be his second Premier League start of the season.
Merson believes both Nunez and Gakpo are equally talented players but the style of the Uruguayan international suits this game better and this is why he wants Jurgen Klopp to start the former Benfica forward in this fixture.
