The Quiet Star: Gakpo One of Liverpool’s Most Underrated Attackers
Cody Gakpo arrived on Merseyside in 2023 from PSV Eindhoven after a sensational World Cup. Gakpo started as the understudy to Roberto Firmino in the false nine role and gradually integrated himself into the starting eleven. The Dutchman registered seven goals and two assists in his debut season with the Reds. As Gakpo began to settle into Liverpool’s playing style, he played more matches in his natural left-wing position. He established himself as a staple in the forward line for LFC and was rewarded with a contract extension. His new deal extension means he’s one of Liverpool’s most underrated attackers.
Gakpo doesn’t always grab the headlines, yet he is the ideal Premier League winger. What sets the 26-year-old apart from others is his vast array of skills. Gapko can take fundamental abilities from current and former teammates to make him well-rounded. He has the directness of Luis Diaz, the height of Hugo Ekitike, and the instincts of Mohamed Salah.
All of these qualities make it nearly impossible for Arne Slot to leave him on the bench. His impact extends beyond the physical aspects of the game as well. The forward’s off-ball intelligence is the reason the Reds had much success last season. Gakpo does the dirty work that goes unnoticed to the average fan; however, it is noticed by his teammates.
Under Slot, Gakpo’s value not only increased but has become a model to which Slot likes his attackers to be. Gakpo has started to take more chances in one-on-one situations or stay wide. He draws defenders towards his side of the pitch, which allows his teammates to have more room to showcase their skills. Sometimes he even drops between the lines to create space for midfielders to run onto.
In Liverpool’s two opening fixtures this campaign, Gakpo has been both a goalscorer and a provider. His intricate dribbling and close-ball control allow him to dance past defenders with ease, like he did in the game against Bournemouth. Slot’s system has seen an increase in productivity from Gakpo as well because of the emphasis on short passes, just like in the Newcastle match. A quick one-two means Gakpo can dart into space and chop the ball to get a shot on goal or an easy assist.
It’s rare for attackers to have the maturity that the Dutchman has. Rarely does Gakpo receive yellow cards. In fact, he often draws yellow cards from lunging defenders. He always put the team first, recognizing where others are in relation to the goal. Those small details enable Liverpool to have a high production rate.
It is clear why Liverpool decided to extend his contract. In the future, Gakpo will continue to evolve as LFC crafts an attacking line that will be less reliant on Salah. The Dutchman will likely be the heir to the king’s throne, and the future is in safe hands. While Gakpo remains an underrated asset, inevitably, people will eventually stop overlooking him.
