Liverpool are leading the Premier League table with the inspiration of Mohamed Salah. However, in the most difficult times, Cody Gakpo is considered the guardian angel of The Kop, always knowing how to shine at the right time and place. The Dutchman has not only played brilliantly under coach Arne Slot, but has also often scored important goals for Liverpool this season.
Under coach Jurgen Klopp, Gakpo is considered a versatile player, able to play as a striker, left winger, left midfielder or in the role of "number 10". In the 2023-2024 season, the Dutch international scored 16 goals in 53 matches for Liverpool and only scored 7 goals in the first 26 matches.
However, everything changed when Arne Slot took over. Since his convincing performance at EURO 2024, Gakpo has been returned to his preferred left wing position as when he played for PSV Eindhoven. The 25-year-old striker immediately impressed with 11 goals and 4 assists this season. According to statistics, after every 98 minutes of play, Cody Gakpo contributes to a goal. This is significantly better than the average of 137 minutes to contribute to goals last season (16 goals, 6 assists).
Not only has Gakpo's impressive form, but he always knows how to shine at the right time when The Kop is in trouble.After opening the scoring in the victory over Manchester City, Cody Gakpo continued to shine to help Liverpool equalize against Brighton and Fulham.Most recently, the Dutch international played a hero again when opening the comeback against Leicester City in round 17 of the Premier League.
After being penetrated by Jordan Ayew, Livepool was a bit hasty in abusing crosses into the penalty area.It was thought that the Anfield team would end the first half with a minimal disadvantage against Leicester City.Unexpectedly, from a breakthrough on the left wing, Gakpo passed full-back James Justin before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the goal.In the remaining minutes of the match, the Dutch striker continued to have 1 assist, helping Salah seal the 3-1 victory in the 82nd minute.The title of "Best Player of the Match" is completely deserved for Cody Gakpo.
Equalizing 1-1 right before the break is extremely important, because it helps the whole team relieve pressure and play more excitedly. You could see that in the second half when we continued to play well. Gakpo's goal not only helped Liverpool, but also made Leicester City feel helpless for the rest of the match" - Arne Slot shared.
In fact, this is not the first time Gakpo has scored from similar moves. The situations of a breakthrough dribble on the left wing and then launching a shot into the far corner are gradually becoming the 25. Cody Gakpo has even been compared to Arjen Robben, the "left wing version" of the Netherlands at EURO 2024.
With the appearance of Gakpo on the left wing, Liverpool became more fearsome with equal attack from both wings. According to Opta Analyst, although the right wing of The Kop has the duo Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the left wing - where Cody Gakpo works, has more attacks, with a rate of 37.2%.
In all competitions, the Dutch striker also participated in the attacks leading to the most shots, with an average of 7.4 situations per 90 minutes. This rate is higher than Salah (7 situations per 90 minutes) and superior to his teammates at Liverpool.
From being one of the most underrated players when joining Liverpool, Cody Gakpo has now become an indispensable factor in Arne Slot's playing style. Although not a heavy weapon like Salah, Gakpo is truly Liverpool's guardian angel, always knowing how to speak up when needed.
