Cody Gakpo has completely changed the conversation around him this season. After a difficult 2025/26 campaign at club level, the Dutch forward has returned looking sharper, more confident and much more dangerous in Liverpool’s attack.
The numbers already show a major difference. Gakpo has started the 2026/27 Premier League campaign with one goal and three assists in five appearances, giving him four goal contributions. His three assists currently put him at the top of Liverpool’s Premier League assist chart. (Opta Analyst)
That is especially impressive considering how much criticism he received last season. Gakpo finished the previous Premier League campaign with seven goals and five assists, and his performances often left Liverpool supporters wanting more. (Opta Analyst)
Now, he looks like a completely different player.
His confidence is clearly back. Gakpo is making better decisions in the final third, creating more for his teammates and looking far more involved in Liverpool’s attacking play. Instead of simply waiting for opportunities, he is actively influencing games.
More assists
More attacking influence
Greater confidence
Better end product
More responsibility in attack
His performance against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup was another reminder of his improvement, as he scored in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory. (Liverpool FC)
And there is another interesting part to this story. Gakpo also arrived at the 2026 World Cup after a difficult club season and enjoyed a strong tournament with the Netherlands, scoring twice and providing an assist in his first two group games. That run appeared to restore some of the confidence that had been missing at Liverpool. (The Liverpool Offside)
Now that confidence seems to be following him back to Anfield.
Of course, calling him Liverpool’s most improved player is still a matter of opinion. There are other players who have made strong starts to the campaign, so the debate is far from settled.
But if Gakpo continues producing at this level, it will become increasingly difficult to ignore his transformation.
From one of Liverpool’s biggest question marks last season to one of the players making things happen this season.
Cody Gakpo is making people look at him differently again.
