Michael Owen has admitted that he feels sorry for new Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo has yet to score in four appearances for Liverpool but Owen stressed that it is very difficult for the Dutchman as he is coming into a team that has lacked consistency.
The £40million attacker was unable to make much of an impact in the goalless draw against Chelsea, but Owen has backed Gakpo to be a success in the long term.
Owen claimed that even Lionel Messi would struggle in Jurgen Klopp’s team at present as they are so devoid of confidence.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen said: ‘I feel sorry for him actually because he’s coming into a team that are really inconsistent and drained of all confidence that we’ve seen in the past.
‘He had a couple of half-chances today [against Chelsea] and it’s clear he’s trying. I’m sure he’s going to be a good signing for the future but at the moment, I would defy even Lionel Messi to come in and look good in this team because it’s really struggling.’
Gakpo scored nine goals and provided twelve assists in 14 Eredivisie appearances this season, but he may well take some time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
As Owen alludes to, Liverpool’s form could well be a hindrance to Gakpo’s progress, with Klopp’s team currently in eighth place in the table.
23-year-old forward Gakpo will hope to get his first goal for Liverpool soon as he aims to justify the club’s decision to sign him.
Liverpool have won just one of their last five games across all competitions, with Klopp’s team lacking their usual intensity.
The Reds’ next game is away to Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.