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 shining at the right time and place. The Dutch player has not only played brilliantly under coach Arne Slot, but has also regularly scored important goals for Liverpool this season.
Under coach Jurgen Klopp, Gakpo is considered a versatile player, able to play as a center forward, left winger, left midfielder or in the role of "number 10". In the 2023-2024 season, the Dutch international has 16 goals in 53 matches for Liverpool and only 7 goals in the first 26 matches.
However, things have changed since Arne Slot took charge. Since his convincing performance at EURO 2024, Gakpo has been returned to his preferred left-wing position as he played for PSV Eindhoven. The 25-year-old striker has immediately impressed with 11 goals and 4 assists this season. According to statistics, Cody Gakpo has contributed to a goal every 98 minutes of play. This rate is significantly better than the average of 137 minutes to contribute to a goal last season (16 goals, 6 assists).
Not only does Gakpo have impressive form, he also always knows how to shine at the right time when The Kop is in trouble.After opening the score 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 the hero again when he started the comeback against Leicester City in round 17 of the Premier League.
After being punctured by Jordan Ayew, Liverpool were a bit hasty when they overused crosses into the penalty area.It seemed that the Anfield team would end the first half with a minimal disadvantage against Leicester City.Surprisingly, from a breakthrough on the left wing, Gakpo overcame full-back James Justin before firing 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.
“It was very important to draw 1-1 right before half-time because it helped the whole team to relieve the pressure and play with more excitement. 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 25-year-old's breakthrough dribbles on the left wing and shots into the far corner are gradually becoming a trademark of the 25-year-old player. Cody Gakpo has even been compared to the Netherlands' "left wing version" Arjen Robben at EURO 2024.
With Gakpo on the left wing, Liverpool became more fearsome with an even attack from both wings. According to Opta Analyst, although The Kop's right wing has the duo Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the left wing - where Cody Gakpo operates - has more attacks, with a rate of 37.2%.
Across all competitions, the Dutchman also has the most shots on target, averaging 7.4 per 90 minutes. This is a higher rate than Salah (7 per 90 minutes) and is superior to his Liverpool teammates.
From being one of the most underrated players when he joined 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 a guardian angel of Liverpool, always knowing how to speak up when needed.
