Liverpool FC forward Cody Gakpo has backed the team’s attackers to step up in Mohamed Salah’s upcoming absence from the squad due to his participation in the African Cup Of Nations. Speaking after the 2-0 road win against Burnley, he said:

“For every attacking player who didn’t score for a few games, it’s always nice to get back on the scoresheet and Darwin did it with a very good goal.”

“For Diogo as well. When you are injured and you come back and score that’s always nice and good for the confidence. So really happy.”

“Mo is gone after the Newcastle game so we need the goals. Of course, I think I can contribute even more.”

Similarly, captain Virgil Van Dijk chimed in on the importance of the attackers for this team and also praised Gakpo for his play in the first half of the game:

“It’s always important for the guys up front to score goals. I am delighted for Darwin. Diogo, it’s the same story. It’s good to see the boys back on the scoresheet.

“I also want to say that Cody was outstanding, in the first half especially. It’s good to see. Everyone has to keep pushing each other. That’s the only way we can get better.”

“Others have to step up anyway. We have to deal with losing Mo and we have the players up front who can make the difference. Let’s see how we deal with it.”

The upcoming fixture against Newcastle United will mark the end of Liverpool’s festive slate of games. For Gakpo, it’s his first time experiencing English football’s most intense period, and he’s enjoyed it:

“The table is not looking in a bad place but we have to take it one game at a time, don’t let our heads go everywhere all over the place, just stay focused and keep doing what we are doing now and even improve more.”

“It’s the first time I played with this intensity — a lot of games in a few days – and it’s nice as if you play a good game you can play again and if you play a not-so-good game, you can make it good in the next game as it’s coming nice and quick.”

“Everybody wants the three points — also the opponents — so you have to work really hard every game and you have to be able to win games different ways.”

Liverpool have done well to hang in the title race across this crunch period and are well within striking distance. With key games against Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal ahead, Gakpo and the rest of the frontline must step up to keep the Reds at the top of the table.