In a surprising revelation that's got football fans talking, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed which Liverpool attacker he believes is the most challenging for defenders to handle. And contrary to popular belief, it's not Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, the former England defender made a compelling case for why one particular Reds forward causes absolute nightmares for opposition defences.
The Ferdinand Verdict
"If I'm a defender, the one I'm looking at and thinking 'you're going to give me the hardest time' is probably Gakpo," Ferdinand declared. "There's something about him - his physicality, his movement, the way he links play - that makes him Liverpool's most devastating weapon."
Ferdinand's choice of Cody Gakpo over the more established Luis Diaz and global superstar Mohamed Salah has raised eyebrows across the Premier League landscape. The Dutch international has shown flashes of brilliance since his move from PSV Eindhoven, but many still consider him behind Liverpool's other attacking options.
Why Gakpo Over Salah?
The pundit explained his unconventional thinking: "Salah's incredible, we all know that. But there's something about Gakpo's all-round game that makes him so difficult to play against. He can drop deep, he can run in behind, he's strong, he's good in the air - he's just a defender's nightmare."
Ferdinand's analysis suggests that while Salah may grab more headlines and goals, it's Gakpo's versatility and unpredictability that truly troubles top-level defenders. This insight from someone who faced the best attackers in world football throughout his career carries significant weight.
Liverpool's Attacking Riches
The discussion highlights the incredible depth of attacking talent at Jurgen Klopp's disposal. With Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and now Gakpo all competing for starting spots, Liverpool boast one of the most formidable forward lines in European football.
Ferdinand's comments come at an interesting time for Gakpo, who has been in impressive form recently, contributing crucial goals and assists as Liverpool push for success on multiple fronts.
Whether other football experts and fans agree with Ferdinand's assessment remains to be seen, but there's no doubt he's started an important conversation about Liverpool's attacking hierarchy and which player truly causes the most problems for Premier League defences.
