Cody Gakpo: Liverpool’s Unsung Pillar in a Season of Transition
Few would have predicted at the start of this season that Cody Gakpo would emerge as Liverpool’s most productive attacking force. With the Reds undergoing a major summer overhaul, spending a staggering £304 million on Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, the spotlight was expected to shine on the new arrivals. Each of these signings naturally favors the left flank, a position many assumed would limit Gakpo’s playing time. Yet, against the odds, the Dutchman has not only held his place in the starting XI but has become a cornerstone of Arne Slot’s attacking setup.
Heading into the new campaign, questions surrounded Gakpo’s role at Anfield. The departure of Luis Diaz left a vacancy on the left, but with Bayern Munich reportedly showing interest in the 26-year-old, uncertainty loomed. Nonetheless, Liverpool rewarded Gakpo’s consistent performances with a new long-term contract, a clear signal that he remains central to the team’s plans. Last season, he directly contributed to 14 league goals, demonstrating his capacity to both score and create, and he has carried that form into the current season.
While Gakpo has been a reliable performer, fan reactions have been mixed. Critics point to his predictable tendencies in the final third—often cutting inside to shoot from low-percentage areas rather than utilizing overlapping full-backs or central teammates. His finishing has occasionally let him down; for instance, he missed crucial chances against Manchester United and Manchester City. Such moments are magnified because they occur during periods when Liverpool’s overall form is inconsistent, leading some supporters to question his efficiency in high-pressure situations.
Despite these criticisms, Gakpo’s consistency cannot be understated. He has the most goal involvements for Liverpool this season, tallying seven contributions and cementing his place among Slot’s trusted core, alongside stalwarts like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and even Ibrahima Konate. Statistically, he has missed fewer high-quality chances than his peers, highlighting his reliability in a squad still finding cohesion during this transitional phase.
Gakpo has already scored against teams such as Bournemouth, Chelsea, Manchester United, and West Ham, and while some of his attempts come from low-probability positions, his overall finishing remains effective. His Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xA) metrics show that he performs largely in line with his statistical output, suggesting that his contributions are far from overstated. Moreover, while his assist count might seem modest, he often operates in a system where teammates’ finishing inconsistencies obscure his creative influence.
Ultimately, Arne Slot’s trust in Gakpo stems from dependability and clarity of output. In a Liverpool squad undergoing significant changes and seeking identity, Gakpo provides a known quantity: a player who consistently threatens goal, creates opportunities, and anchors the left-wing role with experience and tactical intelligence. In a season defined by transition, Gakpo has quietly become a stabilizing force, proving that reliability often outweighs flashiness in building a team’s foundation.
