A major wrong decision caused Liverpool to pay a heavy price

The decision to let go of Luis Diaz and rely on Cody Gakpo is producing obvious effects, revealing a growing void in Liverpool's frontline.

The decision to sell Luis Diaz and continue trusting Cody Gakpo has become one of the most controversial turning points for Liverpool in the new era under coach Arne Slot. While the Colombian player shines brilliantly at Bayern Munich, Anfield’s team has noticeably declined, especially in attack.

Last summer, Liverpool agreed to let Diaz leave to balance finances and clear the way for the blockbuster signing of Florian Wirtz. In that context, Gakpo was seen as a reasonable replacement on the left wing. The management and coaching staff believed the Dutch forward was capable of handling this role, especially given his solid statistics from the previous season.

However, the reality on the pitch tells a different story. Diaz was a crucial component during the final stretch of the 2024/25 season, when he was deployed as a "false nine" and became the biggest inspiration in Liverpool’s attack. His relentless pressing, unpredictable dribbling, and fierce fighting spirit created an impact far beyond just goals and assists.

At Bayern Munich, Diaz quickly proved his class by consistently shining in the Bundesliga and Champions League with 18 goals and 14 assists for Bayern Munich. He integrated almost immediately, becoming a lethal spearhead on the wing and playing a key role in helping the Bavarian club maintain its dominance. These performances only deepened Liverpool fans' regret.

On the other hand, Gakpo has revealed many limitations, scoring only 7 goals and providing 4 assists in 32 matches. Despite his good technique and finishing ability, the forward often lacks consistency, is easy to predict, and rarely creates breakthroughs against tight defenses. His one-dimensional style, heavily reliant on his stronger foot, prevents Gakpo from making the crucial difference, especially in big matches.

From a squad once expected to build a new dynasty, Liverpool now faces the risk of falling behind in the top-tier race. While Diaz soars at Allianz Arena, Anfield’s frontline is gradually losing vitality, and the decision to sell the Colombian star clearly appears to be a failed gamble for The Reds.