Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits Cody Gakpo problem after brace against Brighton

Arne Slot is buzzing after Cody Gakpo's brace helped edge past Brighton in a thrilling encounter. The Reds navigated through the five-goal spectacle with a rotated squad,, a deviation from his usual substitute appearances this season.

His double strike in the second half was crucial in propelling Liverpool into the quarter-finals. With fierce competition for spots in the attacking line, performance has intensified the battle, joining the ranks of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota vying for a starting role.

Slot, facing Brighton again at the weekend, is delighted yet challenged by the selection dilemma, especially after other players like Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, Joe Gomez, and Jarrel Quansah stepped up at the Amex.

Slot praised the squad depth, saying: "I really liked what I saw from players who haven't played much so far this season. That makes it even harder for me to make line ups in the upcoming weeks.

"In the second half of last season Cody scored a lot of goals so he's been a good player for Liverpool for a long time now. He continues doing that and that's a good thing.

"For me, he is a regular starter. Not starting every game but he's started on a regular basis. There is tough competition with Luis Diaz. It's normal at a club like Liverpool to have two quality players for every position.

"If you look at Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, who was unlucky with the goals we conceded, their overall performances I liked and they are in competition with Virgil (van Dijk) and Ibou (Konate)."

Slot also expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating: "We knew it was going to be a difficult game because of their style of play and their recruitment over the past few years. To come away with a win is very pleasing for the long term."

The victory marked another milestone in Slot's remarkable start as Liverpool manager, with the Dutch coach having now won 12 of his 14 games in charge, with the draw at Arsenal at the weekend being only his second failure to win.